Emerging Evidence Alert March 2018

Good work is good for health and wellbeing

Comcare’s Health Benefit of Work’s teams work is centered on the ever increasing evidence that good work, in general, is good for health and wellbeing. Particularly that participation in work as part of recovery is good for people.

The Emerging Evidence Alert

This Emerging Evidence Alert includes the most recent research evidence on the health benefits of work, recovery at and return to work, as well as a WHS issues to keep people healthy and safe in work.

We encourage employers to share their approaches and good practice in the emerging evidence alert. Each month we include a topical theme and provide an overview which covers evidence from the past few years. Where possible, links to the full text of the articles have been included. The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) has also been included where possible, to enable direct links to the article and journal. Where some records are linked to subscription databases, check with your library to see if you have access or may ask for an interlibrary loan. Registered National Library of Australia users have access to a number of databases and resources.

Subscription details are to be found on the Comcare website under Health Benefit of Work.

Early intervention supports a reduction in illness and injury and can enhance recovery

Early intervention is about identifying and responding to warning signs and reports of accidents and incidents in the workplace. Responding early can reduce the likelihood of a worker from becoming ill or injured or taking long-term sick leave.

Ensuring early access to treatment has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of an injury or illness, enhance recovery and facilitate return to work. The Collaborative Partnership brings together public, private and not-for-profit sectors to drive improvements in work participation for people with temporary or permanent physical or mental health conditions, including the promotion of the health benefits of work and promoting work as a part of recovery.

Research from Queensland on an injury prevention program that implemented immediate reporting and triage, reassurance, consultation, workplace modifications and onsite physiotherapy found an 18% reduction in claims, a fall in time lost per claim from an average of 8 to 5 days and a significant reduction in average cost per claim.

Access to physical therapy treatment at the time of the initial visit to a clinic showed a reduction in total costs per claim, cost of indemnity and number of therapy visits.

Similarly, an early intervention paper focusing on work-related musculoskeletal disorders proposed early physical therapy rather than providing ‘time to heal’. It discusses the impact of disuse, atrophy, fear avoidance and the reduced need for diagnostic imaging, pain medication and surgery.

While early access is preferable, people with a long length of disability (>24 months) can still benefit from function restoration programs, with this paper (link) showing that 66% had retained at least part-time work 1-year following the program. (c?)

Pain catastrophizing can impact on return to work outcomes in workers. This paper found that having low expectations for recovery and higher perceptions of pain led to increased pain catastrophizing, which in turn resulted in more work and functional limitations.

Emerging Evidence Topics

• Absenteeism and presenteeism

• Ageing workforce

• Asbestos and mesothelioma

• Bullying and harassment

• Chronic health issues

• Disability

• Employment and unemployment

• Ergonomics

• Health and wellbeing

• Health benefits of good work

• Health promotion

• Management and leadership

• Musculoskeletal issues

• Occupational issues

• Psychosocial issues

• Public health

• Rehabilitation

• Return to work

• Shift work

• Vocational rehabilitation

• Women and the future of work

• Work ability

• Work health and safety

• Work stress

• Workers compensation

• Websites

EARLY INTERVENTION

Title Effectiveness of employer financial incentives in reducing time to report worker injury: an interrupted time series study of two Australian workers' compensation jurisdictions

Author/s Lane, T et al

Source BMC public health May 2018 18 1-10 10 1 2 1 DOI:10.1186/S12889-017-4998-9

Abstract

Background: Early intervention following occupational injury can improve health outcomes and reduce the duration and cost of workers' compensation claims. Financial early reporting incentives (ERIs) for employers may shorten the time between injury and access to compensation benefits and services. We examined ERI effect on time spent in the claim lodgement process in two Australian states: South Australia (SA), which introduced them in January 2009, and Tasmania (TAS), which introduced them in July 2010. Methods: Using administrative records of 1.47 million claims lodged between July 2006 and June 2012, we conducted an interrupted time series study of ERI impact on monthly median days in the claim lodgement process. Time periods included claim reporting, insurer decision, and total time. The 18-month gap in implementation between the states allowed for a multiple baseline design. In SA, we analysed periods within claim reporting: worker and employer reporting times (similar data were not available in TAS). To account for external threats to validity, we examined impact in reference to a comparator of other Australian workers' compensation jurisdictions. Results: Total time in the process did not immediately change, though trend significantly decreased in both jurisdictions (SA: -0.36 days per month, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.09; TAS: 0.35, -0.50 to -0.20). Claim reporting time also decreased in both (SA: -1.6 days, -2.4 to -0.8; TAS: -5.4, -7.4 to -3.3). In TAS, there was a significant increase in insurer decision time (4.6, 3.9 to 5.4) and a similar but non-significant pattern in SA. In SA, worker reporting time significantly decreased (-4.7, -5.8 to -3.5), but employer reporting time did not (-0.3, -0.8 to 0.2). Conclusions: The results suggest that ERIs reduced claim lodgement time and, in the long-term, reduced total time in the claim lodgement process. However, only worker reporting time significantly decreased in SA, indicating that ERIs may not have shortened the process

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through the intended target of employer reporting time. Lack of similar data in Tasmania limited our ability to determine whether this was a result of ERIs or another component of the legislative changes. Further, increases in insurer decision time highlight possible unintended negative effects

Title Does the length of disability between injury and functional restoration program entry affect treatment outcomes for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders?

Author/s Asih, S et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 57-67 DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-016-9691-9

Abstract

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Purpose Functional restoration programs (FRPs), for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders (CDOMDs), have consistently demonstrated positive socioeconomic treatment outcomes, including decreased psychosocial distress and increased work return. The pre-treatment length of disability (LOD), or time between injury and treatment admission, has been shown to influence FRP work outcomes. Some studies have found that shorter LOD is associated with better work outcomes. However, few studies have actually examined cohorts with LOD duration longer than 18 months. This present study evaluated the effects of extended LOD (beyond 18 months) on important treatment outcomes. Methods A total cohort of 1413 CDOMD patients entered an FRP. Of those, 312 did not complete the program, so they were eliminated from outcome analyses. The 1101 patients who completed the FRP were classified based on LOD: Late Rehabilitation (LR, 3–6 months, n = 190); Chronic Disability (CD, 7–17 months, n = 494); and Late Chronic Disability (LCD). The LCD, in turn, consisted of four separate subgroups: 18–23 months (LCD-18, n = 110); 24–35 months (LCD-24, n = 123); 36–71 months (LCD-36, n = 74); and 72+ months (LCD-72, n = 110). Patients were evaluated upon admission and were reassessed at discharge. Those patients who chose to pursue work goals post-treatment (n = 912) were assessed 1-year later. Results Longer LOD was associated with less likelihood of completing the FRP (p < .001). Compared to the other LOD groups, a relatively large percentage of patients (47%) in the longest- disability group were receiving social security disability benefits. Associations were found between longer LOD and more severe patient-reported pain, disability, and depressive symptoms at treatment admission. At discharge, symptom severity decreased for these patient-reported variables in all LOD groups (p < .001). Using binary logistic regressions, it was found that LOD significantly predicted work-return (Wald = 11.672, p = .04) and work-retention (Wald = 11.811, p = .04) after controlling for covariates. Based on the LOD groups, the percentage of patients returning to, and retaining work, ranged from 75.6 to 94.1%, and from 66.7 to 86.3%, respectively. The odds of LCD-24 and LCD-72 patients returning to work were 2.9, and 7.4, respectfully, less likely, compared to LR patients. Furthermore, the odds of LCD-24 and LCD-72 patients retaining work were 3.3 and 3.8 times, respectively, less likely, compared to LR patients. Conclusions Long LOD was a risk factor for FRP non-completion, and was associated with more severe patient-reported variables, including pain intensity and perceived disability. Furthermore, long LOD was a significant predictor for work outcomes at 1 year following FRP discharge. Nevertheless, a large percentage of longer LOD (>24 months) patients had returned to work within the year after discharge (above 85%), and had retained at least part-time work 1-year later (above 66%). These results support the effectiveness of the FRP in mitigating the effects of extended LOD in a large percentage of long-term LOD patients.

Title Description of an early cognitive behavioral intervention (upfront-intervention) following mild traumatic brain injury to prevent persistent complaints and facilitate return to work.

Author/s Scheenen, Myrthe E et al

Source Clinical rehabilitation August 2017 31 8 1019-1029 11 2 DOI: 10.1177/0269215516687101

Abstract Purpose: Many patients with mild traumatic brain injury do not fully return to work owing to persistent posttraumatic complaints. Research suggests that preventing chronic complaints

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might be prevented by giving cognitive behavioral therapy early after injury. Therefore, a new cognitive behavioral intervention (UPFRONT-intervention) was developed to not only prevent chronic complaints but to also establish a more successful return to work. The intervention is currently being evaluated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial design (trial number ISRCTN86191894) in mild traumatic brain injury patients who are at-risk of negative outcomes (patients with high numbers of early complaints). Two case examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the intervention. Rationale: Psychological factors, like cognitive appraisal and coping, play an important role in the persistence of posttraumatic complaints. Some patients are less able to adapt and thus to cope with the injury and its initial consequences than others. Dealing with the injury in a passive, avoidant way, focusing on negative feelings, will hamper recovery and is therefore a valuable target for an intervention. Theory into practice: The UPFRONT intervention is a short cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for patients that are at-risk of developing persistent posttraumatic complaints. Patients will undergo five sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy within 4–10 weeks after trauma. The intervention aims to enhance patients’ feeling of competency of dealing with the consequences of mild traumatic brain injury by providing psycho-education, identifying and challenging unrealistic illness perceptions and improving coping style (decreasing maladaptive coping and enhancing adaptive coping).

Title Early access to physical therapy and specialty care management for American workers with musculoskeletal injuries.

Author/s Phillips, Timothy D.; Shoemaker, Michael J.

Source Journal of occupational & environmental medicine April 2017 59 4 402-411 10 DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000969

Abstract

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Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of very early access to physical therapy and specialty care management in a workers' compensation population. Methods: A prospective pilot (n = 75) was conducted from 2012 to 2013 in which injured workers with musculoskeletal complaints received physical therapy and started care management during their initial occupational medicine clinic visit. Two retrospective comparator groups with workers' compensation claims from 2009 and 2012 were included in this study. Results: When comparing 2009 data with the 2012 to 2013 prospective pilot study, statistically significant differences were noted in favor of the prospective pilot for total costs per claim, cost of indemnity, number of therapy visits, and time to access physical therapy. When compared with the 2012 nonpilot cohort, differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Expedited access to physical therapy and care management can reduce duration of care, cost of claims, and therapy visits

Title The effect of a workplace-based early intervention program on work-related musculoskeletal compensation outcomes at a poultry meat processing plant

Author/s Donovan, Michael; Khan, Asaduzzaman; Johnston, Venerina;

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2017 27 1 24-34 11

Abstract

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The aim of this study is to determine whether a workplace based early intervention injury prevention program reduces work-related musculoskeletal compensation outcomes in poultry meat processing workers

Title A new vocational rehabilitation service delivery model addressing long-term sickness absence

Author/s Sheppard, Dianne M.; Frost, Dorothy;

Source British journal of occupational therapy November 2016 79 11 677-681 5

Abstract

Statement of context Evidence supports the benefits of providing early intervention following non-catastrophic musculoskeletal injury to facilitate successful and sustained resumption of work. Critical reflection on practice Not returning to work within a few months post-musculoskeletal injury can complicate the recovery and return to work process. A recently developed vocational rehabilitation model attempts to impact where others have failed. Implications for practice This novel, evidence-based service delivery model aligns well with the theory of planned behaviour and current psychosocial models of

Title The role of pain catastrophizing as a mediator in the work disability process following acute low back pain

Author/s Besen, Elyssa et al

Source Journal of applied biobehavioral research March 2017 22 1 1-13 13 DOI: 10.1111/jabr.12085

Abstract

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The purpose of this study was to assess pain catastrophizing as a mediator in the relationships between pain and recovery expectations with work limitations and functional disability in a working population experiencing acute low back pain (LBP). Workers (n = 241) with acute, work-related LBP completed measures of pain and injury at medical intake and then the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) shortly after the initial intake visit. At 3-months follow-up, measures of work limitations and functional disability were administered. Structural equation modeling was used to assess whether the PCS mediated longitudinal associations between pain and recovery expectations with perceived disability and work limitations. The PCS score completely mediated the relationship between initial pain intensity and 3-month perceptions of disability (40% explained) and work limitations (29% explained). The PCS also completely mediated the longitudinal relationship between pain recovery expectations and 3-month disability (50% explained) and work limitations (40% explained). Effective clinical management during this acute phase of LBP might be improved by incorporating early interventions to reduce catastrophizing in cases where pain catastrophizing may be especially problematic

Title A new vocational rehabilitation service delivery model addressing long-term sickness absence.

Author/s Sheppard, Dianne M.; Frost, Dorothy;

Source British journal of occupational therapy November 2016 79 11 77-681 5

Abstract Statement of context Evidence supports the benefits of providing early intervention following non-catastrophic musculoskeletal injury to facilitate successful and sustained resumption of work. Critical reflection on practice Not returning to work within a few months post-musculoskeletal injury can complicate the recovery and return to work process. A recently developed vocational rehabilitation model attempts to impact where others have failed. Implications for practice This novel, evidence-based service delivery model aligns well with the theory of planned behaviour and current psychosocial models of work disability, and provides vital support to individuals who find themselves out of work for periods greater than 12 months.

Title Enhancing direct access and authority for work capacity certificates to physiotherapists

Author/s Johnston, Venerina; Beales, Darren

Source Manual therapy September 2016 25 100-103 4

Abstract The mantra ‘work is good for health’ is familiar to those assisting in the rehabilitation of injured workers and is well supported in the literature. Regulators, workers compensation insurers and health professional bodies have taken steps over the last few years to promote early and safe return to work after a workplace injury. Improving direct access to physiotherapy and

extending the role of physiotherapists to authorise work capacity certificates for injured workers will potentially facilitate early intervention, reduce absence from work in a cost-effective system while maintaining patient satisfaction. Several challenges to advancing the role of physiotherapists exist but are not insurmountable

Title Physical therapy early intervention in the work place

Author/s Dudek, Daniel et al

Source Orthopaedic physical therapy practice 2016 28 2 128-132 5

Abstract

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The growing body of evidence that supports the use of an early intervention model that is predicated on prompt and active treatment of musculoskeletal injuries similar in sports medicine approach, in which workers begin treatment as soon as possible, often on the same day as their injury

Title Early workplace communication and problem solving to prevent back disability: results of a randomized controlled trial among high-risk workers and their supervisors

Author/s Linton, S et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation June 2016 26 2 150-159 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9596-z

Abstract

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Purpose There is a clear need for interventions that successfully prevent the development of disability due to back pain. We hypothesized that an intervention aimed at both the worker and the workplace could be effective. Hence, we tested the effects of a new early intervention, based on the misdirected problem solving model, aimed at both workers at risk of long-term impairments and their workplace. Methods Supervisors of volunteers with back pain, no red flags, and a high score on a screen (Örebro Musculoskeletal Screening Questionnaire) were randomized to either an evidence based treatment as usual (TAU) or to a worker and workplace package (WWP). The WWP intervention included communication and problem solving skills for the patient and their immediate supervisor. The key outcome variables of work absence due to pain, health-care utilization, perceived health, and pain intensity were collected before, after and at a 6 month follow up. Results The WWP showed significantly larger improvements relative to the TAU for work absence due to pain, perceived health, and health-care utilization. Both groups improved on pain ratings but there was no significant difference between the groups. The WWP not only had significantly fewer participants utilizing health care and work absence due to pain, but the number of health care visits and days absent were also significantly lower than the TAU. Conclusions The WWP with problem solving and communication skills resulted in fewer days off work, fewer health care visits and better perceived health. This supports the misdirected problem-solving model and indicates that screening combined with an active intervention to enhance skills is quite successful and likely cost-effective. Future research should replicate and extend these findings with health-economic analyses.

Title Handling workers' comp cases requires finesse

Source Case management advisor August 2015 26 8 88-89 2

Abstract The article offers tips for the proper management of workers' compensation cases in the U.S. Case managers are suggested to prevent the employees from having disability, to emphasize on early intervention, to identify injury misrepresentation, and to establish rapport with their employees to mitigate injury.

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Title Role of morality in the experience of guilt and shame within the armed forces.

Author/s Nazarov, A et al

Source Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica July 2015 132 1 4-19 16 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12406.

Abstract

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Objective Despite advances in our understanding of mental health issues among military forces, a large proportion of military personnel continue to exhibit deployment-related psychological issues. Recent work has identified symptoms of guilt and shame related to moral injury as contributing significantly to combat-related mental health issues. This systematic scoping review explores the association between morality and symptoms of guilt and shame within military forces. Method A search of the literature pertaining to guilt, shame and morality within military samples was conducted. Results Nineteen articles were selected for review. There is strong evidence linking exposure to and the perceived perpetration of moral transgressions with experiences of guilt and shame. Critically, symptoms of guilt and shame were related to adverse mental health outcomes, particularly the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No studies have explored moral judgment in conjunction with assessments of guilt or moral injury. Conclusion These findings have important implications for the prevention and treatment of PTSD-related symptoms in military samples. By measuring moral judgment prior to deployment, it may be possible to predict the likelihood of incurring moral injuries and the development of associated symptoms. Early intervention programmes aimed at ameliorating guilt and shame are required to prevent the long-term development of deployment-related psychological distress.

Title Cost-effectiveness of early versus delayed functional restoration for chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders

Author/s Theodore, B Mayer, TG Gatchel, RJ

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation June 2015 25 2 303-315 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-014-9539-0

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Purpose Despite extensive evidence for the treatment effectiveness of interdisciplinary functional restoration (FR) for chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders (CDOMD), there is little documentation on the cost-effectiveness of early rehabilitation using FR. Methods A total of 1,119 CDOMD patients were classified according to duration of disability on FR entry, corresponding to early rehabilitation (ER: 4–8 months of disability, N = 373), intermediate duration (ID: 9–18 months, N = 373), and delayed rehabilitation (DR: >18 months, N = 373). Groups were matched on sex, age, ethnicity, and injured musculoskeletal region. One-year post-rehabilitation outcomes included return-to-work, work retention and healthcare utilization. Economic analyses included a cost-effectiveness analysis of the FR program, and estimation of the total cost-of-illness. Results At 1-year post-rehabilitation, all groups were comparable on return-to-work (overall 88 %), work retention (overall 80 %), and additional healthcare utilization (overall, 2.2 % of patients received re-operations/new surgeries, 2 visits to new healthcare provider). Savings of up to 64 % in medical costs, and up to 80 % in disability benefits and productivity losses was associated with the ER group. The cost of rehabilitation was also up to 56 % lower when administered early. Overall, ER resulted in estimated cost savings of up to 72 % (or almost $170,000 per claim). Conclusions Duration of disability does not negatively impact objective work or healthcare utilization outcomes following interdisciplinary FR. However, early rehabilitation is more likely to be a cost-effective solution compared to cases that progress >8 months and receiving FR as a treatment of “last resort”.

Title Compensation benefits in a population-based cohort of men and women on long-term disability after musculoskeletal injuries: costs, course, predictors

Author/s Lederer, Valérie; Rivard, Michèle

Source Occupational & environmental medicine November 2014 71 11 772-779 8

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess costs, duration and predictors of prolonged compensation benefits by gender in a population characterised by long-term compensation benefits for traumatic or non-traumatic musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). Methods: This study examined 3years of data from a register-based provincial cohort including all new allowed long-term claims (>=3months of wage replacement benefits) related to neck/shoulder/back/trunk/upper-limb MSIs in Quebec, Canada, from 2001 to 2003 (13073 men and 9032 women). Main outcomes were compensation duration and costs. Analyses were carried out separately for men and women to investigate gender differences. An extended Cox model with Heaviside functions of time was used to account for covariates with time-varying effects. Results: Male workers experienced a longer compensation benefit duration and higher median costs. At the end of follow-up, 3years postinjury, 12.3% of men and 7.3% of women were still receiving compensation benefits. Effects of certain predictors (e.g., income, injury site or industry) differed markedly between men and women. Age and claim history had time-varying effects in the men's and women's models, respectively. Conclusions: Knowing costs, duration and predictors of long-term compensation claims by gender can help employers, decision makers and rehabilitation specialists to identify at-risk workers and industries to engage them in early intervention and prevention programmes. Tailoring parts of long-term disability prevention and management efforts to men's and women's specific needs, barriers and vulnerable subgroups, could reduce time on benefits among both male and female long-term claimants

Title Structural challenges to implementation of early intervention of the bio-psychosocial model.

Author/s Brouwers, Nikki.

Source International journal of disability management 2014 9 pN.PAG-0. 1p. DOI: 10.1017/idm.2014.65.

Abstract Early intervention of the biopsychosocial model as a framework to achieve sustainable employment outcomes following injury, illness or disease is well documented in the International research. However in some areas of disability management the term early intervention is consistently applied exclusively within the medical model with early access to treatment and diagnostic tools. However in Australia, whilst the knowledge of the Health benefits of work consensus statement is gaining traction, we remain lagging in effective implementation of early intervention models of the biopsychosocial model to return to work and return to life. This paper explores the structural challenges associated with successful implementation of the model and provides International learnings and applications for consideration and adaption to the Australian context. Further this paper will provide learnings from a pilot program being run in NSW that has been successful in the early triage and referral into a structured Return to Work program that is achieving strong results.

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Title Enhanced DM program in British Columbia's healthcare sector.

Author/s Morrison, Theresa; deHek, Lani.

Source International journal of disability management 2014 9 pN.PAG-0. 1p. DOI: 10.1017/idm.2014.51

Abstract

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Background: The Healthcare Sector in British Columbia, Canada is comprised of over 110,000 employees covered by four union collective agreements. The overall disability burden for this industry is close to $300M annually. The EDMP was negotiated and developed through employer-union partnership. It is a province-wide program that is a component of the four healthcare collective agreements. Implemented in 2012, EDMP supports employees that are absent from work/struggling at work due to occupational or non-occupational illness/injury. Objectives: To showcase a leading DM best practice, highlighting effective joint union/employer stewardship of a comprehensive DM program for a major industry in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Participation in EDMP is required for regular employees who meet one of the following criteria: •shift due to illness or injury resulting from a work-related event•consecutive shifts due to a non work-related illness or injury. Comprehensive policy and process documents developed collaboratively guide the program, with provincial steering joint committee over-site. Union representatives with DM-specific training support the program, working in collaboration with employer's DM professionals to administer a pro-active, comprehensive case management plan with an overarching principle of early intervention and recovery at work. DM-related issues are removed from the labor-relations realm, with a separate dispute resolution process to address disagreements with case management plans. Findings: The collaborative partnership between EDMP union reps and employer DM professionals facilitates engagement of injured/ill employee and improves the ability to identify and address return to work barriers: medical, workplace, vocational, personal. The mandatory component of the CA language improves engagement from both union and employer, with reductions in both WCB and LTD claim durations as a positive result. Fewer conflicts regarding DM related issues are an additional benefit. Conclusion: The EDMP should be used a model of effective union-employer partnership in the management of employee illness/injury and should be replicated in other industries/jurisdictions

Title Early intervention: what is it really?

Author/s Odgers, Peta.

Source International journal of disability management 2014 9 pN.PAG-0 1 DOI: 10.1017/idm.2014.12

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Background: The use of early intervention (EI) strategies following workplace injuries and illnesses have long been espoused by medical specialists, rehabilitation providers, regulators and others to be important in hastening recovery, and shortening the length of absence from work. Little is known, however, about the application, content or effectiveness of EI practices within the Comcare scheme. Objectives: The aim of this research is to provide a strategic assessment of EI in the Comcare scheme by: •investigating what constitutes EI from an employer perspective,•determining which agencies/organisations use EI and why, and•establishing the impact EI has or could have on the scheme. Methods: Phase one will consist of in-depth interviews and/or small group discussions with representatives from both premium paying and self-insured organisations. An independent research company will conduct phase one on behalf of Comcare between February and March 2014. A targeted sampling approach has been used to ensure organisations with known greater and lesser experience in the use of EI are included. Phase two will build on phase one, using an online survey to collect information from all premium paying and self-insured organisations in the Comcare Scheme. Findings: It is anticipated that, within the Comcare scheme, the project will identify: what constitutes EI; what role EI plays or could play; what influences EIs success; and how EI is impacting the type and complexity of claims entering the scheme.Discussion: This paper will focus on the key findings of the research and the implications they have for policies, practices and service delivery. Conclusion: Understanding the role of EI in organisations provided Comcare with a framework to better guide and support employers in their response to workplace injuries and illnesses, and improving the outcomes for their people

Title Case studies of employers with exemplary early intervention and return to work practices

Author/s Randall, Christine

Source International journal of disability management. 2014 9 pN.PAG-0 1 DOI: 10.1017/idm.2014.56

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Background: There is ample evidence that returning to suitable work is good for an injured worker's health and wellbeing. Evidence from the 2013 National Return to Work Survey shows a positive relationship between employers’ treatment of injured workers and return to work outcomes.Objectives: The case studies project aims to provide: •employers with examples of practical solutions, practices or systems to improve return to work outcomes, and•policy makers with a summary of key themes and best practice approaches to inform the development of policy and programs Methods: Organisations for the case studies will be shortlisted from recent Australian national return to work award winners and finalists. Key players within the organisations, including managers, supervisors, rehabilitation co-ordinators and recovered injured workers, will be interviewed to obtain information and attitudes on the early intervention and return to work approaches. An analysis of the case studies and a literature review on current best practice for early intervention and return to work will be conducted from which key themes and practices will be identified. Findings: The project will produce two reports: case studies of six organisations’ practices, and an analytical report on key findings and best practice for early intervention and return to work. The case studies will provide employers and workers published examples of practical approaches to improving return to work outcomes. The case studies also explore the roles and views of management, supervisors and injured workers. The analytical report will examine the case studies and report on key themes and best practice, providing policy makers and employers with an analysis of findings. The 2013 National Return to Work survey provides supporting evidence of the positive relationship between return to work outcomes and a range of variables related to the role of the employer and the workplace. Conclusion: It is anticipated the case studies project will provide examples of practical approaches to improving early intervention and return to work outcomes, which other organisations may consider implementing.

Title What is the level of influence that may be exercised by income security organisations in facilitating employment outcomes

Author/s Wiltshire, Simon.

Source International journal of disability management. 2014 9 pN.PAG-0. 1 DOI: 10.1017/idm.2014.66.

Abstract

The primary function of income security organisations is to administer personal injury claims in a commercially viable and cost-effective manner, while supporting the receivers of benefits/claimants to achieve a meaningful and durable return to employment. Given the pressures of commercial success in a competitive market measured by effective cost minimisation, to what extent is the level of support offered to individuals claiming benefits impacted by an organisation's purpose to be profitable? The extent of influence exercised by income security organisations in administering claims and driving employment outcomes is limited by jurisdictional legislation and regulations. Furthermore, the requirements to meet compliance requirements can often be detrimental to the quality of management of claims, resulting in a highly administrated framework. This can restrict an organisations capacity to meet individual needs, especially in cases that are not seen as fitting the norm. Considering the conflicting demands imposed by commercial pressures and regulatory frameworks, what is the level of influence that may be exercised by these organisations in facilitating employment outcomes? Employers Mutual have maintained a leading position in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme, achieving commercial targets, meeting legislative requirements and promoting excellence in employment outcomes through: •Organisational vision – we help people get their lives back;•Focus on support and development of people as

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front line drivers of performance;•Role design – how we actually do our jobs;•Implementing organisation strategies and designing key support roles aligned to remunerative measures;•Strategic focus on early intervention to facilitate return to work;•Ensuring people receive the full extent of their entitlements, however, are not compensated to excess;•Service level agreements with employers/brokers with a key focus on return to work expectations;•Strong relationships with third party service providers; and•A structured framework that allows flexibility in decision making.

Title Managing occupational stress injury in police services: a literature review.

Author/s Randall, Christine; Buys, Nicholas

Source International public health journal October-December 2013 5 4 413-425 13

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Occupational stress is an increasingly economic and social burn=den in Australia, yet its impact is not being adequately addressed, particularly in emergency services organisations, such as police service. Management of workplace stress injury is therefore a priority, requiring integration of effective occupational rehabilitation systems to prevent and mitigate this condition at an organisational level.

Title Distressed, immobilized, or lacking employer support? a sub-classification of acute work-related low back pain

Author/s Reme, Silje et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation December 2012 224 541-552 12

Abstract

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Introduction One possibility for reducing the disabling effects of low back pain (LBP) is to identify subgroups of patients who might benefit from different disability prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to test the ability to discern meaningful patient clusters for early intervention based on self-reported concerns and expectations at the time of an initial medical evaluation. Methods Workers seeking an initial evaluation for acute, work-related LBP ( N = 496; 58 % male) completed self-report measures comprising of 11 possible risk factors for chronicity of pain and disability. Outcomes of pain, function, and return-to-work were assessed at 3-month follow-up. A K-means cluster analysis was used to derive patient subgroups based on risk factor patterns, and then these subgroups were compared with respect to 3-month outcomes. Results Eight of the 11 measures showed significant associations with functional recovery and return-to-work, and these were entered into the cluster analysis. A 4-cluster solution met criteria for cluster separation and interpretability, and the four clusters were labeled: (a) minimal risk (29 %), (b) workplace concerns (26 %); (c) activity limitations (27 %); and (d) emotional distress (19 %). Functional outcomes were best in the minimal risk group, poorest in the emotional distress group, and intermediate in the other two groups. A global severity index at baseline also showed highest overall risk in the emotional distressed group. Conclusions Patterns of early disability risk factors from this study suggest patients have differential needs with respect to overcoming emotional distress, resuming normal activity, and obtaining workplace support. Classifying patients in this manner may improve the cost-benefit of early intervention strategies to prevent long-term sickness absence and disability due to LBP

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ABSENTEEISM AND PRESENTEEISM

Title Presenteeism in academic employees—occupational and individual factors

Author/s Kinman, G Wray, S

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 46–50

Abstract

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Background: There is growing evidence that presenteeism can be damaging for individuals and organizations. It is, therefore, important to identify the prevalence of working while sick in different working environments and the factors that contribute to such behaviour. Aims: To examine the prevalence of self-reported presenteeism in academic staff working in UK universities and colleges and the extent to which job demands, control, support and work engagement are risk factors. Methods: Scales from the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool were used to measure job demands, control and support from managers and co-workers. Work engagement was assessed using a validated measure and the frequency of self-reported presenteeism was measured. The effects of demands, control, support and engagement on presenteeism were examined with ordinal regression analysis. Results: The study sample comprised 6874 people working in academic roles in UK colleges and universities (59% female). Most respondents (88%) reported working while sick at least sometimes. The risk factors for presenteeism were job demands, control, support from managers and work engagement. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that presenteeism is commonplace in UK colleges and universities. Some of the features of the job that might encourage employees to work while sick are highlighted, whereas engagement in work was an additional risk factor

Title Working health services Scotland: a 4-year evaluation

Author/s Demou, E et al

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 38–45

Abstract

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Background: Working Health Service Scotland (WHSS) supports the self-employed and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland with a health condition affecting their ability to work, who are either absent or at risk of becoming absent due to it. Aims: To evaluate the impact on health and work outcomes of WHSS clients over a 4-year period. Methods: Data were collected at enrolment, entry, discharge and follow-up at 3 and 6 months after discharge. Clients completed up to three validated health questionnaires at entry and discharge—EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (VAS); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Results: A total of 13463 referrals occurred in the 4-year period; 11748 (87%) were eligible and completed entry assessment and 60% of the latter completed discharge paperwork. The majority of referrals were due to musculoskeletal conditions (84%) while 12% were referred with mental health conditions. Almost a fifth (18%) of cases were absent at entry and back at work at discharge. Work days lost while in WHSS was associated with age, length of absence prior to entering WHSS, primary health condition and time in programme. All health measures showed significant improvements from entry to discharge. Improvement in general health was sustained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: The WHSS evaluation findings indicate that participation was associated with positive changes to health and return-to-work. The extent of the positive change in health measures and work ability can be highly important economically for employees and employers

Title The impact of work absences on health services utilization and costs among employed individuals with depression

Author/s Nilesh, G Yang, Y

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 139–145 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001259

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether work absences are associated with increased health services utilization, total health care costs, and depression-related costs among employed individuals, aged 18 to 64 years with depression.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study using pooled data from the 2011 to 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Employed individuals with depression were identified using ICD-9 codes and Clinical Classification code. Logistic regression, Poisson regression, and generalized linear models were used for analysis. Results: Individuals with depression who reported work absences had greater odds of having a hospitalization event [odds ratio (OR): 7.111; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 3.121 to 16.203], higher number of other health care visits (β = 0.188, P = 0.041), and had higher total health care costs (β = 0.550, P ≤ 0.001) than individuals with no work absences. Conclusion: Among employed individuals with depression, self-reported work absence is associated with significantly higher health care utilization and total health care costs.

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Title The moderating role of age in the job characteristics–absenteeism relationship: a matter of occupational context?

Author/s Bouville, Gregor; Dello Russo, Silvia; Truxillo, Donald.

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 57-83 27 2 6

Abstract

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This study addresses the relationship between job characteristics and sickness absenteeism, examining it under two important boundary conditions, employee age, and occupational group. Drawing from psychological theories that explain age‐related differences in the workplace, as well as the sociology of occupations, we formulate hypotheses concerning two‐ and three‐way interactions between five key job characteristics (job demands, autonomy, skill

variety, supervisor, and colleague support), age, and occupational group, namely blue‐collar workers versus clerks. We test our hypotheses on an archival sample of 5,175 employees taken from the French National Survey of Employment Conditions. Hierarchical negative binomial regressions reveal that many of our hypotheses are supported. For example, autonomy and supervisor and colleague support have a differential impact on sickness absenteeism depending on age and the occupational group of employees. We discuss the implications of our findings for both theory and practice. Practitioner points: Sickness absences can be predicted by job characteristics as function of age and occupational groups. Supervisor support is associated with fewer sickness absences in younger workers, especially clerks. Occupational context may mask the age differences because for Job Autonomy and Colleague Support, age‐related differences were detected only within the blue‐collar and clerical groups, respectively. The impact of job demands and skill variety on sickness absences is moderated by age and does not vary across the two occupational groups.

Title Prediction models to identify workers at risk of sick leave due to low-back pain in the Dutch construction industry

Author/s Bosman, LC et al

Source Scandinavian journal of work environment & health 2018;44 2 156-162 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3703

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model based on variables measured in occupational health checks to identify non-sick listed workers at risk of sick leave due to non-specific low-back pain (LBP). Methods This cohort study comprised manual (N=22 648) and non-manual (N=9735) construction workers who participated in occupational health checks between 2010 and 2013. Occupational health check variables were used as potential predictors and LBP sick leave was recorded during 1-year follow-up. The prediction model was developed with logistic regression analysis among the manual construction workers and validated in non-manual construction workers. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated with explained variances (Nagelkerke’s R-square), calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test), and discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve, AUC) measures. Results During follow-up, 178 (0.79%) manual and 17 (0.17%) non-manual construction

workers reported LBP sick leave. Backward selection resulted in a model with pain/stiffness in the back, physician-diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders/injuries, postural physical demands, feeling healthy, vitality, and organization of work as predictor variables. The Nagelkerke’s R-square was 3.6%; calibration was adequate, but discrimination was poor (AUC=0.692; 95% CI 0.568–0.815). Conclusions A prediction model based on occupational health check variables does not identify non-sick listed workers at increased risk of LBP sick leave correctly. The model could be used to exclude the workers at the lowest risk on LBP sick leave from costly preventive interventions.

Title Retrospectively assessed physical work environment during working life and risk of sickness absence and labour market exit among older workers.

Author/s Emil Sundstrup, et al

Source Occupational and environmental medicine 75 2 February 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2016-104279

Abstract Objective To determine the prospective association between retrospectively assessed physical work environment during working life and prospectively assessed sickness absence and labour market exit among older workers. Methods Using Cox regression analyses we estimated the 4-year to 6-year prospective risk of register-based long-term sickness absence (LTSA), disability pension, early retirement and unemployment from exposure to different physical work environmental factors during working life among 5076 older workers (age 49–63 at baseline) from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank cohort. Results Very hard physical work throughout working life was a risk factor for LTSA (HR 1.66,95% CI 1.32 to 2.07), disability pension (HR 2.21,95% CI 1.04 to 4.72) and early retirement (HR 1.57,95% CI 1.13 to 2.17). Both short-term (<10 years) and long-term (≥20 years) exposures to lifting or carrying of heavy burdens predicted the risk of LTSA (HRs 1.49–1.56) and disability pension (HRs 2.26–3.29). In contrast, exposure to dust was associated with LTSA and disability pension only following 20 or more exposure years. Conclusions Retrospectively assessed hard physical work during working life and exposure to several factors in the physical work environment, especially heavy lifting, were important for labour market exit and sickness absence. This study underscores the importance of reducing physical work exposures throughout the working life course for preventing sickness absence and premature exit from the labour market.

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Title Sickness presenteeism: measurement and management challenges

Author/s Whysall, Z et al

Source Ergonomics 2018 61 3 341-354 https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1365949

Abstract

Since work can be restorative to health, attending work when unwell should not be viewed as an inherently negative phenomenon. However, the functional benefits are likely to depend on the health condition, and the psychosocial quality of the work provided. The current study used a workforce survey to explore differences in the pattern of presenteeism and absenteeism by health condition, the association of psychosocial work factors with presenteeism compared to absenteeism, and their interaction to predict health. Findings indicate that instead of substituting absenteeism for presenteeism, the two tend to coincide, but the balance differs by health condition. Presenteeism is more likely to occur in poorer psychosocial environments, reinforcing the importance of ensuring work is designed and managed in ways that are beneficial rather than detrimental to health. The findings also highlight the methodological importance of differentiating between the act and impact of presenteeism in future research and practice. Practitioner Summary: Effective management of work-related health requires that practitioners manage both sickness absence and presence together, since employees tend to

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fluctuate between the two when unwell. Interventions should be tailored to the specific health concern, paying particular attention to the psychosocial environment in enabling employees to continue working without exacerbating health.

Title Unhealthy lifestyle and sleep problems as risk factors for increased direct employers’ cost of short-term sickness absence

Author/s Kanerva, N et al

Source Scandinavian journal of work environmental health 2018;44(2):192-201 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3695

Abstract

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Objectives Unhealthy lifestyle (eg,smoking) as well as sleep problems are associated with increased risk of sickness absence, but the financial impact of these associations beyond risk ratios is not well known. We aimed to estimate the additive contribution of lifestyle and sleep problems (risk factors) to direct costs of short-term (<15 days) sickness absence. Methods the Helsinki Health Study is a longitudinal cohort of employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland (N=8960, response rate 67%). During 2000–2002 the participants were mailed a survey questionnaire that gathered information on their lifestyle and sleep. A sum of the risk factors was calculated: participants received one point for being a smoker; high alcohol user (>7 servings/week for women and >14 servings/week for men); physically inactive [<14 metabolic equivalents (MET) hours/week]; having low fruit and vegetable consumption (<1 times/day); or suffering from frequent insomnia symptoms. Sickness absence, salary, and time of employment were followed through the employer’s register between 2002–2016. Individual salary data were used to calculate the direct costs of short-term sickness absence. Data were analyzed using a two-part model. Results Direct costs of short-term sickness absences were on average €9057 (standard deviation €11 858) per employee over the follow-up. Those with ≥3 risk factors had €3266 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) €2114–4417] higher direct costs for the employer over the follow-up compared to those without any risk factors. Conclusions Unhealthy lifestyle and sleep problems may increase the costs of short-term sickness absence to the employer by 10–30%. Consequently, programs addressing lifestyle and sleep may yield to significant savings.

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AGEING WORKFORCE

Title Why unretirement is working for older Americans

Author/s Bauman, M

Source Rand review March-April 2018

Abstract A majority of retirees say they would return to work—and many already have, according to RAND's American Working Conditions Survey. Welcome to the trend of “unretirement.” More than half of retirees 50 and older said they would work in the future for the right opportunity, the survey found—and the percentage is even higher among the college-educated. Meanwhile, 39 percent of workers 65 and older who are currently employed had previously retired at some point.

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Title Ageing and employment policies: United States 2018: working better with age and fighting unequal ageing

Source OECD 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264190115-en

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In the United States, employment rates at older ages are comparatively high at 62% among 55-64-year-olds against 59% on average in OECD countries in 2016. However, there are large disparities across population groups. Early retirement remains a widespread phenomenon, especially among workers from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. Preventing old-age disparities in terms of employment outcomes and retirement income from widening is crucial. This report looks at the various pathways out of the labour market for older workers, and how employers can be supported to retain and hire older workers. It examines the best ways that the United States can promote the employability of workers throughout their working lives and more equal outcomes among older workers

Title Correlates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in older Colorado firefighters

Author/s Li, K et al

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 51–55 https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx192

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Background : It has been documented that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in on-duty firefighters and little is known about the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Aims : To estimate the probability of 10-year ASCVD risk and its association with per cent body fat (%BF), metabolic syndrome (MetS) and physical fitness in Colorado firefighters. Methods :Ten-year ASCVD risk was calculated using the newly developed pooled cohort equations in firefighters. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the association of 10-year ASCVD risk (<5 versus ≥5%) with estimated maximum volume of oxygen (VO2 max), %BF and MetS. Results Out of 294 firefighters, 9% had a 10-year ASCVD risk >5%. In the unadjusted models, %BF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, P < 0.01), VO2 max (OR = 2.87, P < 0.05) and MetS (OR = 2.66, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with 10-year ASCVD risk. In the adjusted model, only %BF (OR = 1.17, P < 0.01) was significantly associated with 10-year ASCVD risk. Conclusions : Among Colorado firefighters, %BF, but not cardiorespiratory fitness, was independently associated with 10-year ASCVD risk.

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ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA

Title Occupational exposure to asbestos and risk of cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based case–control study in four Nordic countries

Author/s Farioli, A

Source Occupational & environmental medicine 208 75 3 191-198 http://oem.bmj.com/content/75/3/191

Abstract Objectives To assess the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and the risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Methods We conducted a case–control study nested in the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) cohort. We studied 1458 intrahepatic CC (ICC) and 3972 extrahepatic CC (ECC) cases occurring among subjects born in 1920 or later in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Each case was individually matched by birth year, gender and country to five population controls. The cumulative exposure to asbestos (measured in fibres (f)/ml × years) was assessed by applying the NOCCA job-exposure matrix to data on occupations collected during national population censuses (conducted in 1960, 1970, 1980/81 and 1990). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were estimated using conditional logistic regression models adjusted by printing industry work.

Results We observed an increasing risk of ICC with cumulative exposure to asbestos: never exposed, OR 1.0 (reference category); 0.1–4.9 f/mL × years, OR 1.1 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.3); 5.0–9.9 f/mL × years, OR 1.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 2.1); 10.0–14.9 f/mL × years, OR 1.6 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.5); ≥15.0 f/mL × years, OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.6). We did not observe an association between cumulative asbestos exposure and ECC. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that exposure to asbestos might be a risk factor for ICC. Our findings also suggest that the association between ECC and asbestos is null or weaker than that observed for ICC. Further studies based on large industrial cohorts of asbestos workers and possibly accounting for personal characteristics and clinical history are needed.

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BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Title Passive leadership and sexual harassment: roles of observed hostility and workplace gender ratio

Author/s Lee, J

Source Personnel review 2018 47 3 594- 612 https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-07-2016-0169

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether observed hostility mediates the link between passive leadership and sexual harassment. The study also investigates how workplace gender ratio might moderate this mediated relationship. Findings: Results suggest that when working under a passive leader, both men and women are more likely to experience sexual harassment. Furthermore, the positive association between hostility and sexual harassment is stronger for female employees who work in a male-dominated organisation (low gender ratio). However, the moderating effects of workplace gender ratio were not significant for male employees. Practical implications Organisations seeking to reduce or prevent sexual harassment should monitor and screen out managers who display passive leadership behaviour and create a work environment where collegial and civil interactions are encouraged and valued. Originality/value: This research advances our knowledge regarding the organisational factors of sexual harassment by examining passive leadership, hostile work context, and workplace gender ratio. Theoretically, the study contributes to the sexual harassment literature by incorporating evidence on passive leadership from a broader field of workplace aggression into sexual harassment research. Practically, the study offers important implications for organisations that seek to minimise sexual harassment.

Title Supervisor incivility and how it affects subordinates’ performance: a matter of trust

Author/s Jawahar, IM et al

Source Personnel review 2018 47 3709-726 https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2017-0022

Abstract To enhance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of incivility on outcomes, the purpose of this paper is to propose and test work engagement as a mediator of the impact of supervisor-initiated incivility on subordinates’ task and citizenship performance. Further, the authors propose that this mediated relationship would be conditional on the influence of trust in supervisor, such that the relationship would be exacerbated for subordinates who have high levels of trust in the supervisor. Findings: The authors found support for the mediating role of work engagement for citizenship performance, but not for task performance. As predicted, this explanation only held for employees who reported at least average levels of trust in their supervisors, supporting the “mediation is moderated” explanation. Originality/value: Understanding how and for whom supervisor incivility affects task and

citizenship performance is vital to advancing theory as well as for designing interventions to mitigate the negative effects. This manuscript is one of very few to pursue this line of research and makes important contributions to theory and practice.

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Title The role of hardiness in the bullying–mental health relationship

Author/s Reknes, I Harris, A Einarsen, S

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 64–66 https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx183

Abstract

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Background: Workplace bullying has consistently been found to predict mental health problems among those affected. However, less attention has been given to personal dispositions as possible moderators in this relationship. Aims : To investigate the moderating role of individual hardiness in the relationship between exposure to bullying behaviours and symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively, assuming that high hardiness, being an individual stress resilience factor, acts as a buffer in these relationships. Methods: Survey data were gathered in 2016–17, among land-based employees in a Norwegian oil and gas company. Participants completed a questionnaire electronically via a link sent to their work e-mail. The PROCESS macro SPSS supplement was used to analyse the proposed relationships, with mean-centred variables. Results : Altogether, 275 participated in the study (46% response rate). High hardiness acted as a buffer in the bullying–anxiety relationship, in that hardy individuals did not experience increased levels of anxiety when facing bullying behaviours. Low levels of hardiness, on the other hand, acted as an enhancement factor, in that the bullying–anxiety relationship was strengthened for this group. Contrary to expectations, hardiness did not act as a buffer in the bullying–depression relationship. Conclusions : Hardy individuals were less likely to report anxiety in response to bullying than non-hardy workers, a finding with important practical implications. Yet, regardless of who is affected, managers should focus on good strategies to intervene when bullying is detected, and stress resilience training should be considered as part of these strategies

Title Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with work-place bullying

Author/s Malik, H Kangaharan, N Agahari, I

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 67–69, https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx155

Abstract

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Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a condition of transient left ventricular dysfunction precipitated by acute physical or emotional stress. The pathogenesis of TC is not well understood, but it is known to predominantly affect postmenopausal women in the context of physical or emotional triggers. Aims: To describe a case of TC with an association to a never previously described work place stressor of bullying. Case Report: A 48-year-old female lawyer developed acute chest pain after experiencing significant emotional distress at a workplace meeting. She had experienced 18 months of increasing work-related mental stress in a new managerial role. She was initially thought to have a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with widespread T wave inversion on electrocardiogram and elevated serial troponin. However, a diagnosis of TC was subsequently made given the characteristic apical ballooning morphology of the left ventricle found on echocardiogram, normal coronary arteries on angiography and a normal echocardiogram 3 weeks later. This case report describes TC in a younger demographic and a link with workplace bullying. Conclusions: Chronic workplace bullying has the potential for serious physical harm by precipitating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

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CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES

Title Can favourable psychosocial working conditions in midlife moderate the risk of work exit for chronically ill workers? a 20-year follow-up of the Whitehall II study

Author/s Fleischmann, M et al

Source Occupational & environmental medicine 2018 75 3 183-190

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Objectives To investigate if favourable psychosocial working conditions can reduce the risk of work exit and specifically for workers with chronic disease. Methods Men and women (32%) aged 35–55, working and having no chronic disease at baseline of the Whitehall II study of London-based civil servants were selected (n=9040). We observed participants’ exit from work through retirement, health-related exit and unemployment, new diagnosis of chronic disease (ie, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer) and their psychosocial working conditions in midlife. Using cause-specific Cox models, we examined the association of chronic disease and favourable psychosocial working conditions and their interaction, with the three types of work exit. We adjusted for gender, occupational grade, educational level, remaining in civil service, spouse’s employment status and mental health. Results Chronic disease significantly increased the risk of any type of work exit (HR 1.27) and specifically the risk of health-related exit (HR 2.42). High skill discretion in midlife reduced the risk of any type of work exit (HR 0.90), retirement (HR 0.91) and health-related exit (HR 0.68). High work social support in midlife decreased the risk of health-related exit (HR 0.79) and unemployment (HR 0.71). Favourable psychosocial working conditions in midlife did not attenuate the association between chronic disease and work exit significantly. Conclusions The chronically ill have increased risks of work exit, especially through health-related exit routes. Chronic disease is an obstacle to extended working lives. Favourable working conditions directly relate to reduced risks of work exit.

Title Employment status and changes in working career in relation to asthma: a cross-sectional survey.

Author/s Taponen, Saara et al

Source Journal of occupational medicine & toxicology 2/14/2018 13 1-8 8 4 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-018-0189-6

Abstract

Background: Asthmatics confront inconveniences in working life that make it more difficult to pursue a sustainable career, such as unemployment and work disability. Ways of dealing with these inconveniences may be career changes. More needs to be known about the backgrounds and consequences of career changes among asthmatics, especially their relation to asthma or a change in asthma symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare earlier career changes of adults with asthma who are working full time to those who have drifted away from active working life because of work disability, unemployment or early retirement. The frequency of having changed tasks, work place or occupation, whether the changes had been driven by asthma and furthermore, whether the changes had affected their asthma symptoms were investigated. Methods: In this population-based survey study, all patients with reimbursement rights for asthma aged 20--65 years in the city of Tampere (total population 190,000), Finland (n = 2613) were recruited. The questionnaire was sent in October 2000 and the response rate was 79%. The questionnaire included questions e.g. on changing tasks, work place and occupation, whether these changes were driven by asthma or associated with change of asthma symptoms. The respondents were divided into four groups: working full-time, work disability, unemployed and retired due to age. We applied ANOVA with Dunnet's post-test

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(variances were not equal between the groups) for a continued variable age and Chi-squared tests for categorical variables. Logistic regression models were built using unemployed vs. full-time work or work disability vs. full-time work as an outcome variable. A p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Adults with asthma working full time had more often made changes in their career, but not as often driven by asthma as those with current work disability. The reason for changing work place compared to full-time workers (24.9%) was more often mainly or partly due to asthma among those with work disability (47.9%, p < 0.001) and the unemployed (43.3%, p = 0.006). Of those who made career changes because of asthma, a major proportion (over 67%) reported relief in asthma symptoms. Changing tasks (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.9--18.0, for unemployment vs. full-time work), work place (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1--7.0, for work disability vs. full-time work and OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3--5.4, for unemployment vs. full-time work) or occupation (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2--6.0, for unemployment vs. full-time work) mainly because of asthma was associated with an elevated risk for undesirable employment status even after adjusting for age, gender, smoking and professional status. Conclusions: Career changes that were made mainly because of asthma were associated with undesirable employment status in this study. However, asthma symptoms were relieved after career changes especially among those who reported asthma to be the reason for the change. In addition to proper treatment and counselling of asthma patients towards applicable area of work or study, it may be beneficial to support early career changes in maintaining sustainable working careers among adults with asthma.

Title Missed opportunities to identify occupational asthma in acute secondary care

Author/s Ellis, PR Walters, GI

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 56–59 https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx167

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Background: Occupational asthma (OA) accounts for one in six cases of new-onset adult asthma. Despite this it remains under-recognized in the UK. Delayed and missed diagnoses of OA lead to poor health outcomes for workers at significant cost to the UK economy. The burden of occupational aetiology on hospital admissions with asthma is not known. Aims: To measure how frequently medical professionals consider occupational aetiology in patients presenting to secondary care with acute asthma symptoms. Methods: We reviewed electronic records of working-age patients with asthma symptoms, presenting to three sites at a large West Midlands acute hospital NHS trust. We searched emergency department (ED) and acute medical unit (AMU) admission documents, looking specifically at documentation of employment status, job role and work effect on symptoms. We also examined the effect of using a prompt for enquiry about occupation contained within the clerking pro-forma. Results: We searched 100 ED and 100 AMU admission documents. Employment status was established in only 20–31% of patients and none were asked about the effect of their work on current asthma symptoms. The use of a clerking pro-forma, including a prompt for occupation, increased documentation to 63% from 10 to 14% where some enhanced pro-forma was not used. Conclusions: Enquiry into employment status and work effect in working-age patients with asthma symptoms presenting to the ED and the AMU is poor. These may be missed opportunities to identify OA. We propose medical education about high-risk exposures and the use of pro-formas including prompts about occupational exposures.

Title Value of work for employees with a chronic disease

Author/s Vooijs, M et al

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 26–31 https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx178

Abstract

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Background: Most people with a chronic disease value participation in work. Knowledge is limited, however, as to what extent employees with a chronic disease value participating in work, and the main reasons for this. Limited research is available on which specific factors contribute to the perceived value of work. Aims: To evaluate main reasons for, and the extent to which employees with a chronic disease value participation in work, and factors which motivate or demotivate employees in work. Methods: A survey of members of three large patient federations was performed. Respondents had a chronic disease and were of working age. The extent and reasons for valuing work were analysed using descriptive statistics; (de)motivating aspects were qualitatively analysed using specific software. Results: The 1683 respondents valued work with an average of 8 on a scale from 1 to 10 (1: ‘work is not at all important to me’ and 10: ‘work is extremely important to me’). Most frequent reported reasons for valuing work were the provision of income, social contact and the ability to contribute to society. Motivational aspects for work were being financially independent, having positive social contact with colleagues or clients and having the ability to contribute to society. In contrast, negative social contact, performing useless work and having little autonomy demotivated people. Conclusions: Employed people with a chronic disease generally value work, mainly because it makes them financially independent, provides social contact and enables them to contribute to society.

DISABILITY

Title Evaluation of the work loss data institute's official disability guidelines

Author/s Shetty, K et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 146 151 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001230

Abstract

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Objective: The widely used Official Disability Guidelines (ODG®), a utilization review guideline for occupational conditions, has not been independently evaluated recently. Methods: We applied the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE II) and modified a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews (AMSTAR) instruments to assess guideline development methods and the quality of supporting systematic reviews. Multidisciplinary experts rated the validity of clinical content for 47 topics. Results: The overall AGREE II score was 58% due to a combination of favorable attributes (breadth, clear recommendations, frequent updating, and application tools) and unfavorable attributes (scant input from workers and uncertainty about editorial independence). The modified AMSTAR rating was fair/good due to limited information on methods. Panelists rated clinical content as valid for 41 topics. Conclusions: ODG appears to be acceptable to clinicians, but ODG requires greater rigor to keep pace with methodological advances in the field of guideline development

Title

Transitional arrangements for the NDIS

Source Parliament of Australia Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme 15 February 2018

Abstract

Transition to the full National Disability Insurance Scheme started in July 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2020. At full Scheme, about 475 000 people will be NDIS Participants. The arrangements, timelines and implementation of the transition to the NDIS are set out in the Bilateral Agreements between the Australian and state and territory governments and vary across jurisdictions. To date, the Australian Capital Territory is the only

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jurisdiction to have completed full transition to the Scheme. Elsewhere, the intake of Participants is falling behind schedule. The transition period presents significant challenges, which are explored throughout this report

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EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT

Title Subsidising billionaires: simulating the net incomes of UberX drivers in Australia

Author/s Stanford, J

Source Centre for future work

Abstract

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This report estimates the net incomes of UberX drivers in six Australian cities, on the basis of public information regarding Uber’s pricing structure, a representative benchmark urban trip, and other parameters (including vehicle expense guidelines in Australia’s tax system). The report concludes that Australian lawmakers and regulators should urgently investigate the low net incomes received by UberX drivers (and other workers in the so-called “gig economy”), consider their relationship to normal minimum labour standards, and then develop effective regulatory responses to ensure these workers are afforded the same protections as other workers in Australia. In particular, regulators need to modernise and strengthen the definition of who constitutes an “employee” in Australian workplaces, to take account of the growth of irregular labour practices associated with digital business models.

Title Will robots really steal our jobs? an international analysis of the potential long term impact of automation

Source PwC 2017

Abstract

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Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other forms of ‘smart automation’ are advancing at a rapid pace and have the potential to bring great benefits to the economy, by boosting productivity and creating new and better products and services. In an earlier study1, we estimated that these technologies could contribute up to 14% to global GDP by 2030, equivalent to around $15 trillion at today’s values. For advanced economies like the US, the EU and Japan, these technologies could hold the key to reversing the slump in productivity growth seen since the global financial crisis. But they could also produce a lot of disruption, not least to the jobs market. Indeed a recent global PwC survey2 found that 37% of workers were worried about the possibility of losing their jobs due to automation To explore this further we have analysed a dataset compiled by the OECD that looks in detail at the tasks involved in the jobs of over 200,000 workers across 29 countries….

Title A comparative study of practitioner perceptions of selection methods in the United King

Author/s Jackson, DJR et al

Source Journal of occupational and organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 33-56

Abstract

In this study, 476 participants, divided into occupational psychology (OP)‐, Chartered Institute

of Personnel and Development (CIPD)‐, human resource management (HRM)‐qualified, and layperson subgroups, provided their perceptions of the validity, fairness, and frequency of use of employee selection methods. Results of a mixed‐effects analysis of covariance revealed that respondent qualification background predicted the degree to which participant validity perceptions were aligned with research‐based estimates of validity, <italic>F</italic> [3,

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29.39] = 20.06, <italic>p </italic><<italic> </italic>.001, η2 = .67. Corrected pairwise comparisons suggested that perceptions of participants with CIPD and HRM backgrounds were not significantly more aligned with research estimates of validity than were the perceptions of laypeople. OP participant validity perceptions were significantly more aligned with research estimates than all other subgroups, (<italic>p </italic><<italic> </italic>.03). Evidence was also found for some between‐group consistency regarding frequency‐of‐use

perceptions, but less between‐group consistency was found vis‐à‐vis perceptions of fairness.

Implications for decision‐making in employee selection are discussed. Practitioner points: Knowledge about employee selection measures might not be effectively shared between those with CIPD‐ and HRM‐related qualifications versus those with OP‐related qualifications.

Laypeople and respondents with CIPD‐ and HRM‐related qualifications were found to deviate

similarly from up‐to‐date research findings about the validity of selection measures. Respondents with OP‐related qualifications were more closely aligned with up‐to‐date findings about the validity of selection measures than were other comparison groups.

Title Influence of an interdisciplinary re-employment programme among unemployed persons with mental health problems on health, social participation and paid employment

Author/s Bouwine, E et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 147-157

Abstract

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Purpose To evaluate the influence of an interdisciplinary re-employment programme on labour force participation and perceived health among unemployed persons with common mental health problems. In addition, the influence of entering paid employment on self-rated physical health and mental health was investigated. Methods In this quasi-experimental study with 2 years follow up, 869 persons were enrolled after referral to an interdisciplinary re-employment programme (n = 380) or regular re-employment programme (n = 489). The propensity score technique was used to account for observed differences between the intervention and control group. The intervention programme was provided by an interdisciplinary team, consisting of mental health care professionals as well as employment specialists. Mental health problems were addressed through cognitive counselling and individual tailored job-search support was provided by an employment professional. Primary outcome measures were paid employment and voluntary work. Secondary outcome measures were self-rated mental and physical health, measured by the Short Form 12 Health Survey, and anxiety and depressive symptoms, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Changes in labour force participation and health were examined with repeated-measures logistic regression analyses by the generalized estimating equations method. Results The interdisciplinary re-employment programme did not have a positive influence on entering employment or physical or mental health among unemployed persons with mental health problems. After 2 years, 10% of the participants of the intervention programme worked fulltime, compared to 4% of the participants of the usual programmes (adjusted OR 1.65). The observed differences in labour force participation were not statistically significant. However, among persons who entered paid employment, physical health improved (+16%) and anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased (−15%), whereas health remained unchanged among persons who continued to be unemployed. Conclusions Policies to improve population health should take into account that promoting paid employment may be an effective intervention to improve health. It is recommended to invest in interdisciplinary re-employment programmes with a first place and train approach.

Title A meta‐analysis of interview length on reliability and validity.

Author/s Thorsteinson, Todd J.

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 1-32 32 8 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12186

Abstract

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First impressions are frequently seen as a biasing factor that may prevent an interviewer from forming a comprehensive assessment of the applicant. However, research has found that people can make surprisingly accurate impressions of others based on minimal information. Additional exposure to the applicant would be expected to lead to a more accurate impression, but a previous meta‐analysis on the employment interview found evidence for a negative relationship between the length of the interview and validity. Using a much larger sample of studies, the current meta‐analysis examined whether length of the interview was related to the validity of the interview. In addition, I examined the relation between interview length and reliability. Results revealed that the subset of studies reporting length of interviews yielded reliability and validity estimates consistent with more comprehensive meta‐analyses. Consistent with previous research on consensus judgements of personality, length of the interview was found to be unrelated to reliability. However, contrary to the previous meta‐analysis, validity was also unrelated to the length of the interview. Practitioner points: Little attention has been given to how the length of time spent interviewing job candidates relates to the reliability and validity of interviews Length of the interview was not related to reliability or validity of interviews Results suggest that organizations can implement shorter interviews to save time and money compared to longer interviews, without sacrificing reliability and predictive validity

Title Prototypical supervisors shape lay‐off victims’ experiences of top management justice and

organizational support

Author/s Lipponen, Jukka et al

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 158-180 23 1 2 2 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12197

Abstract

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Job loss is a pervasive experience affecting millions of workers around the globe annually. To investigate lay‐offs from the perspective of those who are affected, we conducted a lagged

study examining lay‐off victims’ experiences of supervisory justice, top management justice, and organizational support. We test the hypotheses that the relationships between supervisory justice and lay‐off victims’ subsequent experiences of top management justice as well as organizational support are moderated by supervisors’ prototypicality of their team. Results from our study conducted during lay‐off process indicated that supervisory justice had

a positive lagged impact on lay‐off victims’ unfolding experiences of both (1) top management justice and (2) organizational support for supervisors who were viewed as highly (but not lowly) prototypical of the team that both supervisors and subordinates were part of. Our study identifies a theoretically grounded moderator that may account for the presence (or absence) of cross‐foci effects found in previous multifoci justice studies. Moreover, our results shed

light on the development of justice perceptions by demonstrating the impact of lower‐level supervisors in translating subordinates’ perceptions of justice of the supervisor to that of the top management. Findings suggest that supervisors have an important role to play in managing (for better or worse) the potentially harmful consequences associated with organizational redundancies. Practitioner points: Prototypical supervisors are ‘gatekeepers’ who are able to influence their subordinates’ relationship with the organization and its management. Involving supervisors in critical events such as lay‐offs may be important to effectively manage employees’ concerns. It may not be well advised to overly centralize responsibility for communicating information regarding lay-offs under human resources departments.

Title Strategies of employees in the construction industry to increase their sustainable employability

Author/s Tonnon, SC et al

Source Work 59 2 249-258 2018 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172679

Abstract

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The aging workforce makes sustainable employability (SE) of workers a priority. However, it is unknown to what extent employees use implemented SE measures. Objective: To determine the utilization of 1) SE measures offered by employers, 2) employee SE strategies, and 3) to identify barriers and facilitators of SE strategies. Methods: Survey data were collected among 731 blue collar and 879 white collar workers to determine the utilization of employer SE measures. Focus groups were held with 16 blue collar and 17 white collar workers to identify employee SE strategies and their barriers and facilitators. Results: Utilization of employer SE measures was highest for personal development measures. Strategies applied by blue collar workers included using equipment, suggesting improvements of their working conditions, and seeking promotion to a less physically demanding job. White collar workers named engaging in leisure time physical activity and seeking an adequate work-life balance. Implementation of these strategies was influenced by employee awareness and self-efficacy, the accessibility and costs and benefits of the strategy, management support and company culture. Conclusion: Usage of employer SE measures was generally low and recommendations are given for both blue and white collar workers to improve SE strategies.

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ERGONOMICS

Title Differences of energy expenditure while sitting versus standing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Author/s Saeidifard, F et al

Source European journal of preventive cardiology 2018 25 5 522-538

Abstract

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Background: Replacing sitting with standing is one of several recommendations to decrease

sedentary time and increase the daily energy expenditure, but the difference in energy

expenditure between standing versus sitting has been controversial. This systematic review

and meta-analysis aimed to determine this difference.

Results: We identified 658 studies and included 46 studies with 1184 participants for the final

analysis. The mean difference in energy expenditure between sitting and standing was

0.15 kcal/min (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12–0.17). The difference among women was

0.1 kcal/min (95% CI 0.0–0.21), and was 0.19 kcal/min (95% CI 0.05–0.33) in men.

Observational studies had a lower difference in energy expenditure (0.11 kcal/min, 95% CI

0.08–0.14) compared to randomised trials (0.2 kcal/min, 95% CI 0.12–0.28). By substituting

sitting with standing for 6 hours/day, a 65kg person will expend an additional 54 kcal/day.

Assuming no increase in energy intake, this difference in energy expenditure would be

translated into the energy content of about 2.5 kg of body fat mass in 1 year.

Conclusions: The substitution of sitting with standing could be a potential solution for a

sedentary lifestyle to prevent weight gain in the long term. Future studies should aim to

assess the effectiveness and feasibility of this strategy

Title Sit-stand workstations and impact on low back discomfort: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Author/s Agarwal, S Steinmaus, C Harris-Adamson, C

Source Ergonomics 2018 61 4 538-552 https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1402960

Abstract

Background: Sit-stand workstations are proposed solutions to reduce sedentary time at work. Numerous companies are using them to mitigate health concerns such as musculoskeletal discomfort. Objective: To review the literature on sit-stand workstations and low back discomfort.

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Method: We conducted a meta-analysis on literature published before 17 November 2016 that addressed the relationship between sit-stand workstations and musculoskeletal discomfort, focusing on the low back. Results: Twelve articles were identified and eight that presented results in means (SD) were included. Among a pain-free population, the standardised mean difference was −0.230 for low back discomfort with use of sit-stand workstations. When applying the SMD to studies using the 10-point pain scale, the effect estimates ranged between −0.30 and −0.51. Conclusion: sit-stand workstations may reduce low back pain among workers. Further research is needed to help quantify dosage parameters and other health outcomes. Practitioner Summary: In a sedentary population, changing posture may reduce the chance of developing low back pain. The literature lacks studies on specific populations such as those who have pre-existing low back pain and also does not adequately address the dosage of sit-stand time required to help reduce pain

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Title Empowering public service workers to face bystander conflict: enhancing resources through a training intervention

Author/s Van Erp, Kim J. P. M

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 84-109 26 1 5 2 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12190

Abstract

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Public service employees work in occupations that are accompanied with high psychosocial risks. Police, firefighters, and paramedics are increasingly being confronted with argumentative, conflicting bystanders that frustrate them in executing their task. We developed a resource‐enhancement intervention and tested its usefulness for securing employees’ effective functioning and well‐being in bystander conflict. In a simulation‐based

pre‐test post‐test control group design, paramedics in the intervention condition received training about how to increase their resources in terms of conflict management efficacy, perspective taking, task support, and emotional support. For those in the control condition, no such training was provided. Comparing pre‐ and post‐test measures (<italic>n </italic>=<italic> </italic>81) of the participants in the intervention and control groups, we found evidence that the intervention successfully increased employees’ resources over time. Moreover, we found considerable support for a positive link between these resources and employees’ affective well‐being and job dedication. Thus, our study suggests that a resource‐enhancing intervention can serve as an important means to protect public service employees against the deleterious effects of bystander conflict. Practitioner points: A resource‐enhancing intervention can protect public service employees against the deleterious effects of bystander conflict. Resources related to dealing with a hindering bystander, as well as resources facilitating the continuation of the primary task, are positively associated with employees’ affective well‐being, job dedication, and job performance

Title Intergovernmental collaboration for the health and wellbeing of refugees settling in Australia

Author/s Martin, B Gouglas, P

Source Public health research & practice 2018 28 1 e2822807

Abstract

As outlined in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection Annual report 2016-17, Australia granted 21 928 humanitarian visas in 2016–17, 13 760 of them offshore. This number will increase in future to a planned offshore program of 18 750 in 2018–19. The report notes that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ranks Australia third for the number of refugees resettled. With such a massive program and commitment by the Australian Government, the need to ensure that health and wellbeing are maintained or

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gained during the settlement process is paramount. This article outlines how collaboration between like-minded national governments can improve premigration health screening through information sharing, collaborative learning and increased capability in countries of origin to not only screen for illness and disability, but to more effectively put measures in place to address these before, during and after arrival. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US have worked together for more than a decade on migration health screening policies to ensure better management of health needs and successful resettlement. A case study about the Syrian refugee cohort, which began arriving in Australia in late 2015, illustrates how intergovernmental collaboration can improve settlement.

Title The protective effect of job satisfaction in health, happiness, well-being and self-esteem

Author/s Satuf, C et al

Source International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics 2018 24 2 181-189

Abstract

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The purpose of this article is to analyze the possible effects of job satisfaction on mental and physical health, happiness, subjective well-being and self-esteem. A total of 971 Portuguese-speaking adults participated in this study. Most participants reported high rates of satisfaction with their colleagues, the nature of their work and leadership, while reporting dissatisfaction with regard to salaries and promotions. Results indicated the existence of the protector effect of job satisfaction for health, happiness, subjective well-being and self-esteem, in addition to reinforcing the importance of maintaining a positive evaluation of one’s work. As a practical implication, the results may suggest that the effects of personnel management policies which emphasize job satisfaction could potentially lead to improvements in levels of health, happiness, subjective well-being and workers’ self-esteem, all of which are factors that can potentially improve organizational performance. The study also considered its limitations and the possibility for future investigation.

Title Return on investment for a payer–provider partnership to improve care management of employees and early retirees

Author/s Henke, RM

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 60 3 241-247 March 2018

Abstract

Objective: A large employer partnered with local health care providers to pilot test an intensive nurse care manager program for employees and retirees. We evaluated its impact on health care utilization and costs. Methods: A database was developed containing 2011 to 2015 health care enrollment and claims data for 2914 patients linked to their nurse care manager data. We used a difference-in-difference design to compare health care costs and utilization of members recruited for the pilot program and a propensity-score-matched comparison group. Results: We found statistically significant reductions in doctors’ office visits and prescription drug costs. A return-on-investment analysis determined that the program saved $0.83 for every dollar spent over the 2-year pilot study period. Conclusions: Employer-driven care management programs can succeed at reducing utilization, although they may not achieve cost neutrality in the short run.

Title Supervisor support and work-life balance

Author/s Talukder, A. K. M.; Vickers, Margaret; Khan, Aila

Source Personnel review 2018 47 3 727-744 18

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relations between supervisor support (SS work-life balance (WLB), job attitudes and performance of employees in the Australian financial sector. More specifically, the study explore the impact of SS, WLB and job attitudes

on employees’ job performance (JP). Design/methodology/approach Using an online panel, the data comprised 305 employees working in financial organisations to test a model with structural equation modelling. A list of survey items was tested that replicated extensively in work-life research in the past. Findings The research contributed to the existing literature by identifying a significant mechanism through which SS was linked to WLB that influenced job satisfaction, life satisfaction and organisational commitment and JP given the paucity of such research in the Australian financial sector. Originality/value The study would guide employers, employees and managers involved in the financial sector to implement policies which aim to augment JP and promote balance between work,home and life.

Title What makes for a good break? a diary study on recovery experiences during lunch break.

Author/s Bosch, Christine; Sonnentag, Sabine; Pinck, Anna Sophia

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 134-157 24 2 2 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12195

Abstract This study investigated the role of four recovery experiences during lunch break for employees’ afternoon well‐being. We hypothesized that lunch‐break recovery experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, control, and relatedness) reduce afternoon exhaustion and enhance afternoon work engagement via replenished personal resources (i.e., state of being recovered immediately after break and subsequent self‐efficacy regarding the upcoming tasks in the afternoon). One hundred and nine employees provided daily survey data three times a day (i.e., start of work, after lunch break, end of work) over a period of two workweeks. Multilevel path analysis showed that relaxation, control, and relatedness during lunch break negatively predicted afternoon exhaustion and positively predicted afternoon work engagement via state of being recovered. For relaxation and relatedness, we additionally found positive serial indirect effects on afternoon work engagement via state of being recovered and self‐efficacy. Psychological detachment was not related to personal

resources and afternoon well‐being. This study demonstrates that experiencing control over lunch break and using the lunch break to relax and to relate to others are indirectly associated with improved afternoon well‐being via replenished personal resources. Practitioner points:

Relaxation, control, and relatedness constitute lunch‐break recovery experiences that indirectly foster feeling confident, replenished, and engaged in the afternoon. Employees should strive to spend their lunch breaks in ways that help them feel relaxed, related, and in control. Organizations should provide their employees with sufficient break control and offer environments that facilitate relaxation and socializing during lunch break

Title The measurable benefits of a workplace wellness program in Canada: results after one year

Author/s Lowensteyn, I

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 211-216 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001240

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an employee wellness program in Canada. Methods: A comprehensive program including web-based lifestyle challenges was evaluated with annual health screenings. Results: Among 730 eligible employees, 688 (94%) registered for the program, 571 (78%) completed a health screening at baseline, and 314 (43%) at 1 year. Most (66%) employees tracked their activity for more than 6 weeks. At 1-year follow-up, there were significant clinical improvements in systolic blood pressure -3.4 mm Hg, and reductions in poor sleep quality (33% to 28%), high emotional stress (21% to 15%), and fatigue (11% to 6%). A positive dose–response was noted where the greatest improvements were observed among those who participated the most. Conclusion: The program had high employee engagement. After 1 year, the benefits included clinically important improvements in physical and mental health.

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Title The state of self care in Australia

Author/s Duggan, M Chislett, W_K Calder, R

Source Australian Health Policy Collaboration

Abstract The evidence considered in this review establishes that the state of self-care and self-management policy, programs and support in Australia is fragile at best. While many health policy documents talk about the importance of health literacy – the understanding and ability of individuals to understand and make better-informed choices about their health and health care – and sometimes about either self-care or self-management in health care, these terms are ill-defined, poorly understood and not backed by systematic and programmatic support. Typically, the terms are used but not defined in policy documents, with the benefits of both asserted rather than demonstrated.

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Title Total worker health® intervention for construction workers alters safety, health, well-being measures

Author/s Anger, W.K et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001290

Abstract

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14-week Total Worker Health® (TWH) intervention designed for construction crews. Methods: Supervisors (n = 22) completed computer-based training and self-monitoring activities on team building, work-life balance, and reinforcing targeted behaviors. Supervisors and workers (n = 13) also completed scripted safety and health education in small groups with practice activities. Results: The intervention led to significant (P < 0.05) improvements in family-supportive supervisory behaviors (d = 0.72). Additional significant improvements included reported frequency of exercising 30 minutes/day and muscle toning exercise (d = 0.50 and 0.59), family and coworker healthy diet support (d = 0.53 and 0.59), team cohesion (d = 0.38), reduced sugary snacks and drinks (d = 0.46 and d = 0.46), sleep duration (d = 0.38), and objectively-measured systolic blood pressure (d = 0.27). Conclusion: A TWH intervention tailored for construction crews can simultaneously improve safety, health, and well-being.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOOD WORK

Title Pieces in a big puzzle: on the relationship between health and employment- editorial

Author/s Saaksvuori, L et al

Source Scandinavian journal of public health 2018 46 19_suppl page3-6

Abstract This special issue of originates from a research initiative entitled Cost-effectiveness of policies aimed at prolonging working careers: The role of health, which was funded by the European Commission (Funding agreement, VS/2014/0174). The research initiative aspired to investigate how health can be accounted for when designing, implementing and evaluating policy interventions. This special issue is the final output of the project and intends to shed light on many of the ambitious research

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HEALTH PROMOTION

Title The measurable benefits of a workplace wellness program in Canada: results after one year

Author/s Lowensteyn, I et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 211–216 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001240

Abstract

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an employee wellness program in Canada. Methods: A comprehensive program including web-based lifestyle challenges was evaluated with annual health screenings. Results: Among 730 eligible employees, 688 (94%) registered for the program, 571 (78%) completed a health screening at baseline, and 314 (43%) at 1 year. Most (66%) employees tracked their activity for more than 6 weeks. At 1-year follow-up, there were significant clinical improvements in systolic blood pressure -3.4 mm Hg, and reductions in poor sleep quality (33% to 28%), high emotional stress (21% to 15%), and fatigue (11% to 6%). A positive dose–response was noted where the greatest improvements were observed among those who participated the most. Conclusion: The program had high employee engagement. After 1 year, the benefits included clinically important improvements in physical and mental health.

Source Scandinavian journal of public health February 2018 46 20_suppl special issue: health

promotion: health, wellbeing and physical activity

Abstract

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The articles in this supplement aim to illustrate all three scopes of the Nordic Health Promotion Research Conferences (NHPRC) held in 2016. There are two types of articles in this supplement: (a) original research (5 articles); and (b) debate (10 articles). Original research articles focus on new empirical research findings and debate articles discuss issues around a certain area of health promotion practice or research. In addition, there is a commentary by Sir Michael Marmot.

Title Physical activity, healthy eating and healthier weight: a toollkit for employers

Source Business in the Community

Abstract

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Business in the Community says that along with strong leadership, health and wellbeing initiatives are more effective if they are designed in partnership with employees This free toolkit has been designed to help employers approach workers on delicate issues like weight and exercise, and develop strategies to improve health and reduce sick leave. And while some workers welcome advice about diet, weight and physical activity, many don't. Managers need training appropriate to their business, teams and culture in order to know how best to discuss these issues.

Title Smoking cessation is associated with lower indirect costs

Author/s Baker, C et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine February 2018 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001302

Abstract

Objective: This study quantified differences in indirect costs due to decreased work productivity between current and former smokers. Former smokers were further categorized by number of years since quitting to assess corresponding differences.

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Methods: Data on employed individuals were obtained from the 2013 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS; N = 75,000). Indirect costs were calculated for current smokers and former smokers from weekly wages based on age and sex. Results: The annual total indirect costs for current smokers were $1327.53, $1560.18, and $1839.87 higher than for those who quit 0 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, and more than or equal to 11 years prior, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean total indirect costs between the former smoker groups. Conclusions: Current smokers showed significantly higher total annual indirect costs compared with former smokers, independently of the number of years since quitting smoking.

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MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

Title Cross-sector partnerships: will corporate Australia step up?

Author/s Morris, Natasha Ryan, Lynette

Source SVA quarterly February 2018

Abstract Cross-sector partnerships – partnerships between business and social purpose organisations (SPOs) which are set up to address common societal aims – are a firmly entrenched part of the social purpose sector. Examples of cross-sector partnerships in action are plentiful, and both business and SPOs value them highly. The unique combination of skills and networks in cross-sector partnerships has the potential to be a powerful force in effecting systemic social change.

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Title Governance, fit and proper, audit and disclosure requirements for private health insurers: discussion paper

Source APRA

Abstract

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The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is an independent statutory authority established for the purposes of prudential supervision of financial institutions and for promoting financial system stability in Australia. The long-term stability of the financial system requires the community to have a high degree of trust and confidence that APRA regulated institutions do not just meet their financial requirements, but are also well governed, prudently managed, and resilient to emerging risks. The requirements in APRA’s prudential standards on governance, fit and proper, audit and disclosure are designed to facilitate effective decision making in the long-term interests of regulated institutions and ensure that the right people are in place to support those governance arrangements

Title Indigenous Recruitment Guide

Source Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) 2018

Abstract The new guide would provide Agencies with practical advice on culturally inclusive recruitment processes and help create environments where applicants could be given the opportunity to perform at their best.

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Title

A measure of team resilience: developing the resilience at work team scale

Author/s McEwan, KB Boyd, C

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicin: March 2018 60 3 258-272 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001223

Abstract

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Objective: This study develops, and initial evaluates, a new measure of team-based resilience for use in research and practice. Methods: We conducted preliminary analyses, based on a cross-sectional sample of 344 employees nested within 31 teams. Results: Seven dimensions were identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The measure had high reliability and significant discrimination to indicate the presence of a unique team-based aspect of resilience that contributed to higher work engagement and higher self-rated team performance, over and above the effects of individual resilience. Multilevel analyses showed that team, but not individual, resilience predicted self-rated team performance. Conclusion: Practice implications include a need to focus on collective as well as individual behaviors in resilience-building. The measure provides a diagnostic instrument for teams and a scale to evaluate organizational interventions and research the relationship of resilience to other constructs

Title Moving from best to better and better: business practice redesign is an untapped opportunity

Author/s Hagel et al

Source Deloitte insights January 2018

Abstract In a world of constant disruption, is consistent, sustained performance improvement even possible? We believe it is—and to get there, we suggest a path based on frontline workgroups adopting business practices—focused on new value creation—that aim to help both workers and companies get better, faster.

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Title Social media use in 2018

Author/s Smith, A Anderson, M

Source Pew Research Center 2018

Abstract A new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults finds that the social media landscape in early 2018 is defined by a mix of long-standing trends and newly emerging narratives

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Title How leaders face the future of work

Author/s Gratton, L

Source MIT Sloan management review March 2018

Abstract

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We are living through a grand transition in the way people work. Constant and extraordinary innovation in machine learning and robotics has and will continue to reshape work. Some tasks will be replaced. Others will be augmented. No one — whether highly skilled or less skilled — will be untouched

Title A model of leadership motivations, error management culture, leadership capacity, and career success

Author/s Maurer, Todd J.; Hartnell, Chad A.; Lippstreu, Michael

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology December 2017 90 4 481-507 27 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12181

Abstract

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We integrated ideas from literature on error management culture, leadership motivation, and career development to create several contributions for the research literature. First, we examined two situational factors - error management/aversion culture perceptions - that affect employees' leadership-relevant motivations. Second, we distinguish between two types of leader motivations, motivation to lead (MTL) and motivation to develop leadership skills (MTDL). We offer evidence of discriminant and predictive validity of the two leadership motivations on key leadership processes and outcomes. Third, we tested a linkage model in which error management/aversion perceptions influenced leadership motivations (MTL and MTDL) and these motivations predicted leadership capacity and leader career success (i.e., promotions, increased leadership responsibility, and pay increases). Based upon multisource data collected from 151 employees and their supervisors from diverse occupations and organizations over a period of 1 year, we found that error management perceptions were positively associated with social-normative MTL (the motive to lead out of a sense of duty and obligation) and with MTDL whereas perceptions of error aversion were negatively related with affective-identity and non-calculative MTL. MTDL was distinguishable from MTL and demonstrated better predictive validity on leadership capacity and career success than MTL. We discuss a number of implications for both theory and practice. Practitioner Points Creating a culture in which errors are constructively managed enhances leadership motivations, leadership capacity (leader behaviour, development, and potential), and career success., In managing leadership development and performance, distinguishing between motivation to be a leader and motivation to develop leadership skills is important, both in terms of how these motivations are influenced by error management and aversion and in terms of the how the motivations influence leadership capacity and success. Motive to lead out of a sense of duty is key.

Title Trust in organization as a moderator of the relationship between self‐efficacy and workplace

outcomes: a social cognitive theory‐based examination.

Author/s Ozyilmaz, Adnan; Erdogan, Berrin; Karaeminogullari, Aysegul

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 181-204 24 1 3 4 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12189

Abstract

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Drawing on a social cognitive theory perspective, we contend that an employee's trust in oneself, or self‐efficacy, will interact with the individual's trust in the system, or trust in organization, to predict job attitudes and behaviours. Specifically, we expected that self‐efficacy would have stronger effects on job attitudes (job satisfaction and turnover intentions) and behaviours (task performance and organizational citizenship behaviours) to the degree to which employees perceive high levels of trust in organization. Using data collected from 300 employees and their respective supervisors at a manufacturing organization in Turkey across three waves, we found that self‐efficacy had more positive effects on job satisfaction, task performance, and citizenship behaviours when trust in organization was high. Interestingly, self‐efficacy had a positive effect on turnover intentions when trust in organization was low, indicating that high trust in organization buffered the effects of self‐efficacy on intentions to leave. The results suggest that the motivational value of trust in oneself is stronger to the degree to which employees also have high trust in the system, whereas low trust in system neutralizes the motivational benefits of self‐efficacy. Practitioner points: Practicing managers should not only invest in increasing self‐efficacy of their employees, but also invest in building trust to improve employees’ attitudes, behaviours, and performance. This is because when employee trust in organization is high, employee self‐efficacy has greater potential to have a positive influence over job satisfaction, task performance, and organizational citizenship behaviours. Self‐efficacy may actually increase an employee's desire to leave the organization when organizational conditions are unfavourable, such as in the case of low trust in the organization. Practicing managers should be aware that employees who have high levels of confidence may be at higher risk of turnover when they are unhappy with the organization

Title What sets ‘superbosses’ apart from other leaders?

Source MIT Sloan management review March 2018 Sydney Finkelstein, interviewed by Frieda Klotz

Abstract

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Despite the prevalence of digital tools at our workplaces, effective leadership still relies on analog skills. In fact, the old-school ability to motivate and inspire others is more important than it has ever been

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MUSCULOSKELETAL ISSUES

Title Low back pain series

Author/s Buchbinder, R Hartvigsen, J Foster, N et al

Source Lancet March 2018

Abstract

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Almost everyone will have low back pain at some point in their lives. It can affect anyone at any age, and it is increasing—disability due to back pain has risen by more than 50% since 1990. Low back pain is becoming more prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) much more rapidly than in high-income countries. The cause is not always clear, apart from in people with, for example, malignant disease, spinal malformations, or spinal injury. Treatment varies widely around the world, from bed rest, mainly in LMICs, to surgery and the use of dangerous drugs such as opioids, usually in high-income countries. These three papers on low back pain address the issues around the disorder and call for worldwide recognition of the disability associated with the disorder and the removal of harmful practices. In the first paper, the complexity of the condition and the contributors to it, such as psychological, social, and biophysical factors, and especially to the problems faced by LMICs. In the second paper, recommendations for treatment and the scarcity of research into prevention of low back pain are outlined. The last paper is a call for action. They say that persistence of disability associated with low back pain needs to be recognised and that it cannot be separated from social and economic factors and personal and cultural beliefs about back pain.

Title Are work organization interventions effective in preventing or reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders? a systematic review of the literature

Author/s Stock, SR et al

Source Scandinavian journal of work, environment and health 2018 44 2113-133 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3696

Abstract

Objectives We sought to determine whether interventions that target work organization or the psychosocial work environment are effective in preventing or reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) compared to usual work. Methods We systematically reviewed the 2000–2015 English- and French-language scientific literature, including studies evaluating the effectiveness of an organizational or psychosocial work intervention on incidence, prevalence or intensity of work-related musculoskeletal pain or disorders in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs and/or back or of work absence due to such problems, among non-sick-listed workers. We excluded rehabilitation and individual-level behavioral interventions and studies with >50% attrition. We analyzed medium- and high-quality studies and synthesized the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development & Evaluation (GRADE) approach. An analysis of key workplace intervention elements supplemented the interpretation of results.

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Results We identified 884 articles; 28 met selection criteria, yielding 2 high-quality, 10 medium-quality and 16 low-quality studies. There was moderate evidence that supplementary breaks, compared to conventional break schedules, are effective in reducing symptom intensity in various body regions. Evidence was low-to-very-low quality for other interventions, primarily due to risk of bias related to study design, high attrition rates, co-interventions, and insensitive indicators. Most interventions lacked key intervention elements, such as work activity analysis and ergonomist guidance during implementation, but the relation of these elements to intervention effectiveness or ineffectiveness remains to be demonstrated. Conclusions Targeting work–rest cycles may reduce WMSD. Better quality studies are needed to allow definitive conclusions to be drawn on the effectiveness of other work organizational or psychosocial interventions to prevent or reduce WMSD.

Title Does the length of disability between injury and functional restoration program entry affect treatment outcomes for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders?

Author/s Asih, S

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 57-67

Abstract

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Purpose Functional restoration programs (FRPs), for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders (CDOMDs), have consistently demonstrated positive socioeconomic treatment outcomes, including decreased psychosocial distress and increased work return. The pre-treatment length of disability (LOD), or time between injury and treatment admission, has been shown to influence FRP work outcomes. Some studies have found that shorter LOD is associated with better work outcomes. However, few studies have actually examined cohorts with LOD duration longer than 18 months. This present study evaluated the effects of extended LOD (beyond 18 months) on important treatment outcomes. Methods A total cohort of 1413 CDOMD patients entered an FRP. Of those, 312 did not complete the program, so they were eliminated from outcome analyses. The 1101 patients who completed the FRP were classified based on LOD: Late Rehabilitation (LR, 3–6 months, n = 190); Chronic Disability (CD, 7–17 months, n = 494); and Late Chronic Disability (LCD). The LCD, in turn, consisted of four separate subgroups: 18–23 months (LCD-18, n = 110); 24–35 months (LCD-24, n = 123); 36–71 months (LCD-36, n = 74); and 72+ months (LCD-72, n = 110). Patients were evaluated upon admission and were reassessed at discharge. Those patients who chose to pursue work goals post-treatment (n = 912) were assessed 1-year later. Results Longer LOD was associated with less likelihood of completing the FRP (p < .001). Compared to the other LOD groups, a relatively large percentage of patients (47%) in the longest- disability group were receiving social security disability benefits. Associations were found between longer LOD and more severe patient-reported pain, disability, and depressive symptoms at treatment admission. At discharge, symptom severity decreased for these patient-reported variables in all LOD groups (p < .001). Using binary logistic regressions, it was found that LOD significantly predicted work-return (Wald = 11.672, p = .04) and work-retention (Wald = 11.811, p = .04) after controlling for covariates. Based on the LOD groups, the percentage of patients returning to, and retaining work, ranged from 75.6 to 94.1%, and from 66.7 to 86.3%, respectively. The odds of LCD-24 and LCD-72 patients returning to work were 2.9, and 7.4, respectfully, less likely, compared to LR patients. Furthermore, the odds of LCD-24 and LCD-72 patients retaining work were 3.3 and 3.8 times, respectively, less likely, compared to LR patients. Conclusions Long LOD was a risk factor for FRP non-completion, and was associated with more severe patient-reported variables, including pain intensity and perceived disability. Furthermore, long LOD was a significant predictor for work outcomes at 1 year following FRP discharge. Nevertheless, a large percentage of longer LOD (>24 months) patients had returned to work within the year after discharge (above 85%), and had retained at least part-time work 1-year later (above 66%). These results support the effectiveness of the FRP in mitigating the effects of extended LOD in a large percentage of long-term LOD patients.

Title Gender differences in limited duty time for lower limb injury

Author/s Holsteen, KK et al

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 18–25

Abstract

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Aims: To determine the proportion of service time compromised by limited duty days attributable to lower limb injuries, characterize the time affected by these limitations in terms of specific lower limb region and compare the limited duty time between male and female soldiers. Methods: Administrative data and individual limited duty assignments (profiles) were obtained for active-duty US Army personnel who served in 2014. Lower limb injury-related profiles were used to calculate the percent of person-time requiring duty limitations by gender and body region. Results: The study group was 568 753 soldiers of whom 14% were women. Nearly 13% of service days for active-duty US Army soldiers required limited duty for lower limb injuries during 2014. Knee injuries were responsible for 45% of those days. Within integrated military occupations, female soldiers experienced 27–57% more time on limited duty for lower limb injuries compared with men. Conclusions: The substantial amount of limited duty for lower limb musculoskeletal injuries among soldiers highlights the need for improvement in training-related injury screening, prevention and timely treatment with particular attention to knee injuries. The excessive impact of lower limb injuries on female soldiers’ occupational functions should be a surveillance priority in the current environment of expanding gender-integrated training.

Title Association between sensorimotor impairments and functional brain changes in patients with low back pain: a critical review

Author/s Goosons, Net al

Source American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation March 2018 97 3 200–211 doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000859

Abstract

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Low back pain (LBP) coincides with sensorimotor impairments, for example, reduced lumbosacral tactile and proprioceptive acuity and postural control deficits. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest that sensorimotor impairments in LBP may be associated with brain changes. However, no consensus exists regarding the relationship between functional brain changes and sensorimotor behavior in LBP. Therefore, this review critically discusses the available functional magnetic resonance imaging studies on brain activation related to nonnociceptive somatosensory stimulation and motor performance in individuals with LBP. Four electronic databases were searched, yielding nine relevant studies. Patients with LBP showed reduced sensorimotor-related brain activation and a reorganized lumbar spine representation in higher-order (multi)sensory processing and motor regions, including primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, supplementary motor area, and superior temporal gyrus. These results may support behavioral findings of sensorimotor impairments in LBP. In addition, patients with LBP displayed widespread increased sensorimotor-evoked brain activation in regions often associated with abnormal pain processing. Overactivation in these regions could indicate an overresponsiveness to sensory inputs that signal potential harm to the spine, thereby inducing overgeneralized protective responses. Hence, functional brain changes could contribute to the development and recurrence of LBP. However, future studies investigating the causality between sensorimotor-related brain function and LBP are imperative.

Title Current evidence and opportunities for expanding the role of occupational therapy for adults with musculoskeletal conditions

Author/s Roll, Shawn C

Source American journal of occupational therapy January /February 2017 71 1 1-5 5p DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.711002

Abstract Musculoskeletal conditions are the second greatest cause of disability worldwide, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions affect nearly the same percentage of the general population as chronic circulatory and respiratory conditions combined. Moreover, people with musculoskeletal conditions experience a significant decline in independence with daily activities and occupational performance, key areas targeted by occupational therapy interventions. This special issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy provides comprehensive summaries of evidence for the care of common musculoskeletal conditions, highlights important implications that support evidence-informed practice, and proposes ways to advance the practice of occupational therapy to improve the lives of people with musculoskeletal conditions.

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OCCUPATIONAL ISSUES

Title Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk across occupational groups and industry in a statewide study of an Australian working population

Author/s Kelsall, HL et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 286–294 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001228

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of type 2 diabetes (diabetes) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in occupational and industry groups in a large, diverse working population. Methods: Five hundred thousand Victorian workers undertook health checks, including lifestyle, anthropometric, and biomedical cardiovascular risk factor assessment. Five-year diabetes (AUSDRISK) and absolute CVD risk were estimated. Results: High diabetes and CVD risk was increased in many occupational groups and industries relative to managers and Professional/Scientific/Technical Services, respectively. Significantly more blue-collar workers had high diabetes risk [males prevalence ratio (PR) 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.20); females 1.34 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.38)], high CVD risk [males 1.45 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.53); females 1.48 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.88], and risk factors including smoking [males 2.26 (95% CI 2.22 to 2.30); females 2.20 (95% CI 2.13 to 2.27)], compared with white-collar workers. Conclusion: Targeting occupational and industry groups within sustainable workplace programs could assist in reducing chronic diseases, lowering sickness absence, and improving productivity.

Title Is self-reported time spent sedentary and in physical activity differentially biased by age, gender, body mass index, and low-back pain?

Author/s Gupta, N et al

Source Scandinavian journal of work environment & health 2018 44 2 163-170 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3693

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to determine the extent to which age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and low-back pain (LBP) influence bias in self-reported sedentary behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among blue-collar workers. Methods For 2–4 consecutive working days, 147 workers wore an Actigraph accelerometer on the thigh. Proportional time spent sedentary and in MVPA was determined using the Acti4

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software. The same variables were also self-reported in a questionnaire. The difference between self-reported and accelerometer-based sedentary time and MVPA was calculated and linearly regressed against age, gender, BMI, and self-reported LBP intensity as main effects, as well as interaction terms combining each of these factors with objectively measured exposure. Results Workers objectively spent 64% of their time sedentary and 9% in MVPA. On average, self-reports underestimated sedentary time by 1.5% and overestimated MVPA by 5.5%. Workers with mild/no LBP appeared to have the same size of self-report bias in MVPA regardless of how much MVPA they actually had, while workers with high LBP overestimated MVPA to an increasing extent with increasing exposure [interaction: B=0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05–0.53]. Age was positively associated with self-report bias in sedentary time (B=0.31, 95% CI 0.09–0.54) regardless of actual sedentary time. Conclusions LBP and age, but not BMI and gender, introduced differential bias in self-reported information on sedentary behavior and MVPA among blue-collar workers. This result suggests that bias correction in future studies based on self-reports of sedentary time and MVPA should account for LBP and age.

Title A measure of team resilience: developing the resilience at work team scale

Author/s McEwan, KB Boyd, C

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine: March 2018 60 3 - 258–272

Abstract

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Objective: This study develops, and initial evaluates, a new measure of team-based resilience for use in research and practice. Methods: We conducted preliminary analyses, based on a cross-sectional sample of 344 employees nested within 31 teams. Results: Seven dimensions were identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The measure had high reliability and significant discrimination to indicate the presence of a unique team-based aspect of resilience that contributed to higher work engagement and higher self-rated team performance, over and above the effects of individual resilience. Multilevel analyses showed that team, but not individual, resilience predicted self-rated team performance. Conclusion: Practice implications include a need to focus on collective as well as individual behaviors in resilience-building. The measure provides a diagnostic instrument for teams and a scale to evaluate organizational interventions and research the relationship of resilience to other constructs.

Title A scoping review on smart mobile devices and physical strain

Author/s Tegtmeier, P

Source Work 59 2 273-283, 2018 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172678

Abstract

Background: Smart mobile devices gain increasing importance at work. Integrating these smart mobile devices into the workplace creates new opportunities and challenges for occupational health and safety. Objectives: Therefore the aim of the following scoping review was to identify ergonomic challenges with the use of smart mobile devices at work with respect to physical problems. Method: A review of 36 papers based on literature including January 2016 was conducted. results: Biomechanical measures in the reviewed studies demonstrated i.e., head flexion angles exceeding 20° in 20 out of 26 different conditions described. Furthermore, laterally deviated wrists were frequently noted and thumb …and finger flexor muscle activities generally greater than 5% MVC were reported. Conclusion: The reviewed literature indicated an elevated biomechanical risk, especially for the neck, the wrists and thumb. This was due to poor posture, ongoing and intermitted muscle

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tension, and/or repetitive movements. Papers addressing specific risks for smartphone and tablet use in different work environments are scarce. As the technology, as well as the use of smart mobile devices is rapidly changing, further research, especially for prolonged periods in the workplace is needed.

Title Strategies to manage activities in everyday life after a pain rehabilitation program.

Author/s Kallhed, Cecilia; Mårtensson, Lena.

Source Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy March 2018 25 2 145-152 8 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2017.1283442

Abstract

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Background: Owing to the complexity of the pain experience, it is important to understand how persons with chronic pain manage their condition, in order to provide an indication of how occupational therapists can enable participation in meaningful everyday activities during pain rehabilitation. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how persons with chronic pain reason about their use and choice of strategies to manage activities of everyday life. Materials and methods: A qualitative approach was used to capture experiences of strategies employed to manage activities while living with chronic pain. Eight persons agreed to participate. Results: An overall theme, ‘adjusting to life with chronic pain’, encompasses the underlying meaning and the relations between the categories: finding new ways to perform activities, reaching for a reasonable balance of activities and using activities to achieve other purposes. Conclusion and significance: Persons with chronic pain use various strategies as means to enable performance in activities of everyday life despite living with pain, which supports the conception that occupational therapists should focus on activities and strategies rather than the pain condition during pain rehabilitation

Title Association of hand and arm disinfection with asthma control in US nurses.

Author/s Orianne Dumas, et al,

Source Occupational and environmental medicine, online first February 2018 doi: v10.1136/oemed-2017-104740

Abstract Background: Among active-duty military personnel, lower limb musculoskeletal injuries and related conditions (injuries) frequently arise as unintended consequences of physical training. These injuries are particularly common among women. The practical impact of such injuries on temporary military occupational disability has not been estimated with precision on a large scale. Aims :To determine the proportion of service time compromised by limited duty days attributable to lower limb injuries, characterize the time affected by these limitations in terms of specific lower limb region and compare the limited duty time between male and female soldiers. Methods: Administrative data and individual limited duty assignments (profiles) were obtained for active-duty US Army personnel who served in 2014. Lower limb injury-related profiles were used to calculate the percent of person-time requiring duty limitations by gender and body region. Results: The study group was 568 753 soldiers of whom 14% were women. Nearly 13% of service days for active-duty US Army soldiers required limited duty for lower limb injuries during 2014. Knee injuries were responsible for 45% of those days. Within integrated military occupations, female soldiers experienced 27–57% more time on limited duty for lower limb injuries compared with men. Conclusions: The substantial amount of limited duty for lower limb musculoskeletal injuries among soldiers highlights the need for improvement in training-related injury screening, prevention and timely treatment with attention to knee injuries. The excessive impact of lower

limb injuries on female soldiers’ occupational functions should be a surveillance priority in the current environment of expanding gender-integrated training.

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Title Hard measures for soft skills

Author/s Schleicher, A

Source SVA Quarterly October 2017

Abstract

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Digitalisation has radically altered the nature of work and life for people. The things that are easy to teach, easy to test, have also become easy to digitise, to automate, to outsource. What we’re trying to do at the OECD is think more carefully about how we can pair the artificial intelligence of computers with the human qualities where people can create more value. Think complex problem solving, creative thinking, but also social aspects, working with people who are different from you, working with people who think differently from you. Emotional qualities: courage, resilience, curiosity, leadership. We’re trying to define those kinds of elements that are very instrumental for our success and working in life. But also then to build metrics around it. How can we observe those qualities, and last but not least, how can we improve them

Title Neurodiversity at work

Source CIPD guide February 2018

Abstract

This guide is for HR professionals and leaders across functions who want to learn more about neurodiversity, the benefits for their organisation, and how they can support neurodivergent people to be comfortable and successful at work. The guide has two main aims: first, to raise awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace among employers; and second, to inspire more employers to action – to take steps to encourage neurodiverse job applicants, remove potential ‘friction points’ in the hiring process and to support their staff to achieve their potential

Title Overall mortality of Canadian Armed Forces personnel enrolled 1976–2012

Author/s Rolland-Harris, E et al

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 32–37

Abstract

Background: Military personnel may be exposed to hazardous substances or environments, making health surveillance critical. However, surveillance is frequently handicapped by long lag times between exposure(s) and outcomes, which often manifest post-military release and are often not recorded. Aims: To describe the burden of mortality in still serving and released Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. Methods: The Canadian Forces Cancer and Mortality Study II (CF CAMS II) is an interdepartmental record linkage study using CAF pay data and Statistics Canada cancer and mortality data. The cohort included all Regular Force and class C Reservist men and women who first enrolled in the CAF between 1976 and 2012, inclusive. The anonymized linked data included death data, including cause and location of death. All-cause mortality (ACM) and International Classification of Disease (ICD)-10 chapter-level mortality (CLM) were quantified using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), with the Canadian general population (CGP) as the reference population. Results: Approximately 6870 deaths occurred during over 5 million person-years of observations. For ACM, the CAF risk of death was significantly lower than the CGP for both sexes (females: n = 540, SMR = 0.76 [95% CI 0.69–0.82]; males: n = 6330, SMR = 0.79 [95%

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CI 0.77–0.81]). In the CLM analysis, SMRs were significantly lower than, or not statistically different from, 1.0 for all ICD chapters. Conclusions: Military service may have a protective effect that may be partly explained by the healthy soldier effect and the stringent selection process at enrolment.

Title Strategies for effectively managing email at work

Author/s Russell, E

Source ACAS September 2017

Abstract

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This report explores how email might help people to achieve their work goals, and examines the strategies that are adopted by workers to differentially impact both wellbeing and productivity.

Title Thinking different has made us winner at work.

Author/s Faragher, Jo et al

Source People management February 2018 32-36 5

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The article discusses entering of neurodiversity into human resource (HR) management for covering individuals with autism, dyspraxia, ADHD, dyslexia, and Asperger. It mentions that according to the National Autistic Society, only small number of people with autism in full-time paid employment in Great Britain as compared to disabled and non-disabled people. It also presents views of Steve Silberman, author of "NeuroTribes," on employing people with cognitive disability as a form of charity

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PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES

Title Guarding minds at work: assess, protect and promote psychological health and safety

Abstract Guarding Minds at Work is a unique and free online resource to help employers - large or small, in the public or private sector - assess, protect and promote psychological health and safety in their workplaces. At the heart of Guarding Minds at Work is a survey tool and summary reports that compare your results against a 2016 nationally representative sample of workers in industries and geographical regions across Canada. Suggested strategies, planning worksheets, and evaluation resources are all provided to help you take action to improve the psychological health and safety in your workplace.

Title Improving access to psychological therapies in England

Author/s Hornicroft, G

Source The Lancet February 2018 391 10121 636-637 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32158-X

Abstract

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Most people with mental illness worldwide receive no treatment at all.1 The number benefiting from effective treatment is even fewer—eg, as low as one in six people with major depression receive effective care in high-income countries, and one in 27 people in low-income or middle-income countries.2 For mild-to-moderate depression, the treatments of choice are psychological therapies.3, 4 Are there any examples of a health-care system successfully scaling up evidence-based practice for such common mental disorders? Yes: evidence is emerging that the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme in England fits this bill as reported by David M Clark and colleagues in The Lancet.

Title Mental health and well-being concerns of fly-in fly-out workers and their partners in Australia: a qualitative study

Author/s Gardner, B et al

Source BMJ open 2018 8 3 e019516 http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019516

Abstract

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Objectives Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work involves commuting long distances to the worksite and living in provided accommodation for 1–4 weeks while on shift. While the potentially detrimental impact of FIFO work on the health and well-being of workers has been documented, little attention has been paid to how workers, or their partners, cope with this impact. This study sought to investigate how workers and their partners negotiate the impact of FIFO on their mental health and well-being. Results Participant-validated thematic analysis generated three main themes: managing multiple roles, impact on mental health and well-being, and social support needs. Results revealed difficulties in adjusting between the responsibilities of perceptually distinct on-shift and off-shift lives, and managing potential psychological distance that develops while workers are on site. Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining quality communication and support from family members. Workers and partners attempted to maintain mental health and well-being by regularly engaging with support networks, although many felt organisational support was tokenistic, stigmatised or lacking. Conclusions Recommendations for enhancing support provided by FIFO organisations are offered. In particular, organisations should emphasise the importance of good mental health and well-being, maintain transparency regarding potential challenges of FIFO lifestyles, and offer professional support for managing multiple social roles and effective communication

Title Predicting the effectiveness of work-focused cbt for common mental disorders: the influence of baseline self-efficacy, depression and anxiety

Author/s Brenninkmeijer V

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation February 2018 DOI:10.1007/s10926-018-9760-3

Abstract Purpose This study examined who benefits most from a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based intervention that aims to enhance return to work (RTW) among employees who are absent due to common mental disorders (CMDs) (e.g., depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorder). We researched the influence of baseline work-related self-efficacy and mental health (depressive complaints and anxiety) on treatment outcomes of two psychotherapeutic interventions. Methods Using a quasi-experimental design, 12-month follow-up data of 168 employees were collected. Participants either received work-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (W-CBT) that integrated work aspects early into the treatment (n = 89) or regular cognitive behavioural therapy (R-CBT) without a focus on work (n = 79). Results Compared with R-CBT, W-CBT resulted in a faster partial RTW, irrespective of baseline self-efficacy. Among individuals with high self-efficacy, W-CBT also resulted in faster full RTW. The effectiveness of W-CBT on RTW did not depend on baseline depressive complaints or anxiety. The decline of mental health complaints did not differ between the two interventions, nor depended on baseline self-efficacy or mental health. Conclusions Considering the benefits of W-CBT for partial RTW, we recommend this intervention as a preferred method for employees with CMDs, irrespective of baseline self-

efficacy, depression and anxiety. For individuals with high baseline self-efficacy, this intervention also results in higher full RTW. For those with low self-efficacy, extra exercises or components may be needed to promote full RTW.

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Title Transparency about the outcomes of mental health services (IAPT approach): an analysis of public data

Author/s Clark, DM et al

Source The Lancet February 2018 391 10121 679-686 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32133-5

Abstract Internationally, the clinical outcomes of routine mental health services are rarely recorded or reported; however, an exception is the English Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, which delivers psychological therapies recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for depression and anxiety disorders to more than 537 000 patients in the UK each year. A session-by-session outcome monitoring system ensures that IAPT obtains symptom scores before and after treatment for 98% of patients. Service outcomes can then be reported, along with contextual information, on public websites.

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Title 2017 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Survey

Source Superfriend 2018

Abstract

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The 2017 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Survey is the latest research produced by SuperFriend which measures the current state of workplace mental health and wellbeing in Australia. This is the third year this research has been conducted to track the progress of Australian workplaces towards the optimal state of a mentally healthy workplace using 38 desired state indicators. In this edition, over 5,000 workers across Australia from different business sizes, industries and locations were surveyed. The results provide a snapshot of the state of workplace mental health and wellbeing in Australia and have uncovered new insights which are presented in the following key domains: Leadership, Connectedness, Policies and Practices, and Organisational Culture and Capabilities. This year the report also provides a set of evidence based actions for each of these key domains to help you build a thriving workplace.

Title Mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out workers in the resources and construction sectors draft code

Source The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Abstract A draft code of practice has been developed to help promote and maintain the mental health of FIFO workers in the resources and construction sectors has now been released for public comment. The draft code of practice was developed following recommendations from the Legislative Assembly Education and Health Standing Committee’s report on the impact of FIFO practices on workers’ mental health tabled on 18 June 2015. It aims to provide companies that employ FIFO workers with guidance on managing mental illness at work.

Title Treatment outcome, duration, and costs: a comparison of performance indicators using data from eight mental health care providers in the Netherlands

Author/s De Beurs, E

Source Administration and policy in mental health and mental health services research March 2018 45 2 212–223 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-017-0818-x

Abstract Assessing performance of mental health services (MHS) providers merely by their outcomes is insufficient. Process factors, such as treatment cost or duration, should also be considered in a meaningful and thorough analysis of quality of care. The present study aims to examine various performance indicators based on treatment outcome and two process factors: duration and cost of treatment. Data of patients with depression or anxiety from eight Dutch MHS providers were used. Treatment outcome was operationalized as case mix corrected pre-to-posttreatment change scores and as reliable change (improved) and clinical significant change (recovered). Duration and cost were corrected for case mix differences as well. Three performance indicators were calculated and compared: outcome as such, duration per outcome, and cost per outcome. The results showed that performance indicators, which also take process variability into account, reveal larger differences between MHS providers than mere outcome. We recommend to use the three performance indicators in a complementary way. Average pre-to-posttreatment change allows for a simple and straightforward ranking of MHS providers. Duration per outcome informs patients on how MHS providers compare in how quickly symptomatic relief is achieved. Cost per outcome informs MHS providers on how they compare regarding the efficiency of their care. The substantial variation among MHS providers in outcome, treatment duration and cost calls for further exploration of its causes, dissemination of best practices, and continuous quality improvement.

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Title Workplace mental health training for managers and its effect on sick leave in employees: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Author/s Milligan-Saville, JS et al

Source The Lancet November 2017 4 11 850-858 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30372-3

Abstract

Background Mental illness is one of the most rapidly increasing causes of long-term sickness absence, despite improved rates of detection and development of more effective interventions. However, mental health training for managers might help improve occupational outcomes for people with mental health problems. We aimed to investigate the effect of mental health training on managers’ knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and behaviour towards employees with mental health problems, and its effect on employee sickness absence. Methods We did a cluster randomised controlled trial of manager mental health training within a large Australian fire and rescue service, with a 6-month follow-up. Managers (clusters) at the level of duty commander or equivalent were randomly assigned (1:1) using an online random sequence generator to either a 4-h face-to-face RESPECT mental health training programme or a deferred training control group. Researchers, managers, and employees were not masked to the outcome of randomisation. Firefighters and station officers supervised by each manager were included in the study via their anonymised sickness absence records. The primary outcome measure was change in sickness absence among those supervised by each of the managers. We analysed rates of work-related sick leave and standard sick leave seperately, with rate being defined as sickness absence hours divided by the sum of hours of sickness absence and hours of attendance. This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613001156774). Findings 128 managers were recruited between Feb 18, 2014, and May 17, 2014. 46 (71%) of 65 managers allocated to the intervention group received the intervention, and 42 (67%) of 63 managers allocated to the control group were entered in the deferred training group. Managers and their employees were followed up and reassessed at 6 months after randomisation. 25 managers (1233 employees) in the intervention group and 19 managers (733 employees) in the control group provided data for the primary analysis. During the 6-month follow-up, the mean rate of work-related sick leave decreased by 0·28 percentage points (pp) from a pre-training mean of 1·56% (SE 0·23) in the intervention group and increased by 0·28 pp from 0·95% (0·20) in the control group (p=0·049), corresponding to a reduction of 6·45 h per employee per 6 months. The mean percentage of standard sick leave

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increased by 0·48 pp from 4·97% (0·22) in the intervention group and by 0·31 pp from 5·27% (0·21) in the control group (p=0·169). Interpretation A 4-h manager mental health training programme could lead to a significant reduction in work-related sickness absence, with an associated return on investment of £9.98 for each pound spent on such training. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and test their applicability in other work settings

Title Associations between fixed-term employment and health and behaviors: what are the mechanisms?

Author/s Żołnierczyk-Zreda, Dorota Bedyńska, Sylwia

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 273–278 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001226

Abstract

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Objective: To analyze the associations between fixed-term employment and health (work ability and mental health) and behaviors (engagement and performance). Psychological contract fulfilment (PCF) and breach (PCB) are investigated as potential mediators of these associations. Methods: Seven hundred workers employed on fixed-term contracts from a broad range of organizations participated in the study. The Structural Equation Model was performed to analyze the data. Results: Mediation analyses revealed that good physical and mental health and productivity are more likely to be achieved by those workers who perform non-manual work and (to some extent) accept their contracts because they experience high levels of PCF and low levels of PCB. Conclusions: Apart from the lack of physical workload, psychological contract fulfilment has been revealed as yet another significant mediator between a higher socioeconomic position and good health and productivity of fixed-term workers.

Title Mental disorder sick leave in Sweden: a population study

Author/s Lidwall, U et al

Source Work 59 2 259-272, 2018 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172672

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Background: The inability to perform productive work due to mental disorders is a growing concern in advanced societies. Objective: To investigate medically certified mental disorder and all-cause sick leave in a working population using demographic, socioeconomic and occupational predictors. Methods: The study population was the entire Swedish work force aged 16-64 years in December 31st 2011. The outcome was sick leave exceeding 14 days in 2012 with adjustment for 13 confounders. Results: The risk of sick leave with a mental disorder is higher among women compared to men, among persons aged 30–39 and among parents in families with underage children. Employees in welfare service occupations within health care, education and social services have an elevated risk of mental disorder sick leave and constitute a large proportion of the workforce. Conclusion: The results support the need for improving early detection and prevention of mental disorders in the workforce. Improvements in psychosocial work environments are essential, where the higher risk in female dominated welfare occupations particularly, have repercussions on the quality of the welfare services provided for vulnerable groups in society. Better work-life balance in families with younger children could also mitigate the effects of a high total workload in that particular phase of life.

Title Psychosocial effects of proactivity: the interplay between proactive and collaborative behavior

Author/s Ghitulescu, BE

Source Personnel review 47 2 294-318 https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-08-2016-0209

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Purpose Although proactivity is thought to have positive effects in the workplace, researchers still need to learn more about the contingent aspects of these effects. Proactivity, a challenging form of promotive behavior that is generally desired by organizations, can lead to unexpected consequences such as role overload, job strain, and conflict with coworkers, which may undermine future proactivity. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of proactive behavior on job satisfaction, affective commitment, and conflict with coworkers, in the context of collaborative work. This study investigates the extent to which collaborative behavior, an affiliative form of promotive behavior, can mitigate the impact of proactive behavior on conflict and promote positive individual psychosocial outcomes, thus making proactive behavior more sustainable in the workplace. Findings: Results show that both proactivity and collaborative behavior positively impact affective outcomes, but have opposite effects on conflict. Collaborative behavior complements proactive behavior in that it enhances the effects of proactivity on satisfaction and reduces its impact on conflict. Research limitations/implications: Creating the appropriate organizational conditions to support employee proactivity is critical for enhancing proactive employees’ work experience and success, effectively motivating and retaining them, and promoting future proactivity. The results indicate that collaboration creates a context where the positive effects of proactivity are enhanced and its negative effects are weakened. Originality/value This research is one of the first studies to examine the interactive effects of proactivity and collaboration. The study shows that collaborative behavior can play an important role in enhancing the benefits of proactivity. Thus, the research advances a contingency perspective of proactivity and contributes to a better understanding of its effects.

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PUBLIC HEALTH

Title Interdisciplinary working in public health research: a proposed good practice checklist

Author/s Gavens, L et al

Source Journal of public health 40 1 1 March 2018 175–182, https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdx027

Abstract

Background: Guidance on how different disciplines from the natural, behavioural and social sciences can collaborate to resolve complex public health problems is lacking. This article presents a checklist to support researchers and principle investigators to develop and implement interdisciplinary collaborations. Methods: Fourteen individuals, representing 10 disciplines, participated in in-depth interviews to explore the strengths and challenges of working together on an interdisciplinary project to identify the determinants of substance use and gambling disorders, and to make recommendations for future interdisciplinary teams. Data were analysed thematically and a checklist was derived from insights offered by participants during interview and discussion among the authors on the implications of findings. Results Participants identified 18 scientific, interactional and structural strengths and challenges of interdisciplinary research. These findings were used to develop an 18-item BASICS checklist to support future interdisciplinary collaborations. The five domains of the checklist are: (i) Blueprint, (ii) Attitudes, (iii) Staffing, (iv) Interactions and (v) Core Science. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary work has the potential to advance public health science but the numerous challenges should not be underestimated. Use of a checklist, such as BASICS,

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Title Healthy public cannot abide unhealthy and unsafe workplaces

Author/s Finkel, Adam M

Source American journal of public health March 2018 108 3 312-313 2 DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.304282

Abstract The article focuses on public health aspects behind workplace safety and industrial hygiene. It comments on how the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been underfunded, understaffed, and lacks authority to impose meaningful fines for noncompliance with basic workplace safety requirements. It suggests the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is undermining employee health and safety which will harm public health and the U.S. economy.

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EBSCO

Title What police officers want public health professionals to know

Author/s Greenberg S, Frattaroli S

Source Injury prevention 2018

Abstract Police officers and public health professionals serve complementary professions, with each providing a logical extension of the other’s contribution to public health and safety. The opioid epidemic, sexual assault, human trafficking, gun violence, suicide, traffic-related injuries, intimate partner violence and mass casualty events are among the issues that police and public health professionals are called upon to prevent, respond to and resolve. There is a growing body of literature and new professional opportunities exploring the intersection of law enforcement and public health, and the relevance of this intersection to injury and violence prevention in particular presents an opportunity to advance shared goals. Here, we consider this opportunity in the context of the USA, in particular. Through collaboration, police and public health professionals can move the ‘levers’ needed to change behaviour (eg, seat belt use), improve access to critical services (eg, emergency response) and expand the footprint of the evidence base through partnered research (eg, effective implementation of gun violence prevention laws). Doing so requires a new and expanded understanding of each discipline by the other and can be informed by lessons from such collaborations outside of the USA.

Title What's next for Indigenous health in Australia? editorial

Source The lancet February 2018 391 10121 632 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30257-5

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Last week, the independent Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee released a 10 year review of the government's Closing the Gap Strategy, ahead of the annual report. The 2008 Council of Australian Governments' Closing the Gap Strategy was developed following their signing of the Close the Gap Statement of Intent. This statement was meant to holistically tackle the social determinants of health inequality with targets in health, education, and employment, and represented a watershed moment, aspiring to secure health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by 2030

Title Work as an inclusive part of population health inequities research and prevention

Author/s Quinn Ahonen, Emily et al

Source American journal of public health March 2018 108 3 306-311 6 DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.304214

Abstract

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Despite its inclusion in models of social and ecological determinants of health, work has not been explored in most health inequity research in the United States. Leaving workout of public health inequities research creates a blind spot in our understanding of how inequities are created and impedes our progress toward health equity. We first describe why work is vital to our understanding of observed societal-level health inequities. Next, we outline challenges to incorporating work in the study of health inequities, including (1) the complexity of work as a concept;(2) work's overlap with socioeconomic position, race, ethnicity, and gender;(3) the development of a parallel line of inquiry into occupational health inequities; and (4) the dearth of precise data with which to explore the relationships between work and health status. Finally, we summarize opportunities for advancing health equity and monitoring progress that could be achieved if researchers and practitioners more robustly include work in their efforts to understand and address health inequities

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REHABILITATION

Title Psychosocial factors impacting workplace injury rehabilitation: evaluation of a concise screening tool

Author/s McLinton, S et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1121-129 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9701-6

Abstract

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Purpose To determine whether the delayed recovery often observed in simple musculoskeletal injuries occurring at work is related to poor workplace and home social support. Method A four question psychosocial screening tool called the “How are you coping gauge?” (HCG) was developed. This tool was implemented as part of the initial assessment for all new musculoskeletal workplace injuries. Participants were excluded if they did not meet the strict criteria used to classify a musculoskeletal injury as simple. The HCG score was then compared to the participant’s number of days until return to full capacity (DTFC). It was hypothesised that those workers indicating a poorer level of workplace and home support would take longer time to return to full capacity. Results A sample of 254 participants (316 excluded) were included in analysis. Significant correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between HCG scores for self-reported work and home support and DTFC thereby confirming the hypothesis. Path analysis found workplace support to be a significant moderate-to-strong predictor of DTFC (−0.46). Conclusion A correlation was observed between delayed workplace injury recovery and poor perceived workplace social support. The HCG may be an effective tool for identifying these factors in musculoskeletal workplace injuries of a minor pathophysiological nature. There may be merit in tailoring injury rehabilitation towards addressing psychosocial factors early in the injury recovery process to assist with a more expedient return to full work capacity following simple acute musculoskeletal injury.

Title Effect of inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation versus less comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on sickness absence in persons with musculoskeletal- or mental health disorders: a randomized clinical trial

Author/s Aasdahl, L et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 28 1 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9708-z

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Purpose To assess effects of an inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation program compared to less comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on sickness absence in persons with musculoskeletal- or mental health disorders. Methods Randomized clinical trial with parallel groups. Participants were individuals 18–60 years old on sick-leave for 2–12 months with a sick-leave diagnosis within the musculoskeletal, psychological or general and unspecified chapters of ICPC-2, identified in a national register. The inpatient program (4 + 4 days) consisted of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), physical training and work-related problem-solving including creating a return to work plan and a workplace visit if considered relevant. The outpatient program consisted primarily of ACT (6 sessions during 6 weeks). Both programs were group based. Primary outcome was cumulated number of sickness absence days at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcome was time until sustainable return to work. Results 168 individuals were randomized to the inpatient program (n = 92) or the outpatient program (n = 76). We found no statistically significant difference between the programs in median number of sickness absence days at 6 and 12 months follow-up. In the outpatient program 57% of the participants achieved sustainable return to work (median time 7 months), in the inpatient program 49% (log rank, p = 0.167). The hazard ratio for sustainable return to work was 0.74 (95% CI 0.48–1.32, p = 0.165), in favor of the outpatient program. Conclusions This study provided no support that the more comprehensive 4 + 4 days inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation program reduced sickness absence compared to the outpatient rehabilitation program.

Title

The emergence of the rehabilitative strategy: the driving forces in the United States

Author/s Caracheo, A et al

Source American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation March 2018 97 3 222–228 doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000864

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The aim of this essay was to show the impact that driving forces have had on the emergence of rehabilitation as a health strategy in the United States. Specifically, this essay (1) identifies the driving forces that have addressed the development of rehabilitation, (2) examines how the rehabilitative strategy has been driven by the driving forces through turning points and facilitators, and (3) identifies the barriers of each force against the development of rehabilitation. Critical and scoping review of the literature was conducted from the late 1910s until the end of the century. War, economy, the power of the state, and science were identified as the driving forces that led rehabilitation to become a health strategy complementing prevention, promotion, cure, and palliation. World War I and II played as a stimulus for rehabilitation, federal funding facilitated its development, acts, amendments, and governmental programs enabled its implementation, and the acknowledgment of physical medicine and rehabilitation as medical field contributed to its international recognition as health strategy. World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is also identified as an emerging facilitator of rehabilitation. Based on the example of United States, this article closes with recommendations toward the implementation of rehabilitation as a health strategy in countries where so far this has not occurred.

Title Psychosocial factors impacting workplace injury rehabilitation: evaluation of a concise screening tool

Author/s McLinton, S McLinton SS van der Linden, M

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 28 1 121-129

Abstract

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Purpose To determine whether the delayed recovery often observed in simple musculoskeletal injuries occurring at work is related to poor workplace and home social support. Method A four question psychosocial screening tool called the “How are you coping gauge?” (HCG) was developed. This tool was implemented as part of the initial assessment for all new musculoskeletal workplace injuries. Participants were excluded if they did not meet the strict criteria used to classify a musculoskeletal injury as simple. The HCG score was then compared to the participant’s number of days until return to full capacity (DTFC). It was hypothesised that those workers indicating a poorer level of workplace and home support would take longer time to return to full capacity. Results A sample of 254 participants (316 excluded) were included in analysis. Significant correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between HCG scores for self-reported work and home support and DTFC thereby confirming the hypothesis. Path analysis found workplace support to be a significant moderate-to-strong predictor of DTFC (−0.46). Conclusion A correlation was observed between delayed workplace injury recovery and poor perceived workplace social support. The HCG may be an effective tool for identifying these factors in musculoskeletal workplace injuries of a minor pathophysiological nature. There may be merit in tailoring injury rehabilitation towards addressing psychosocial factors early in the injury recovery process to assist with a more expedient return to full work capacity following simple acute musculoskeletal injury.

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RETURN TO WORK

Title Application of the theoretical domains framework and the behaviour change wheel to understand physicians’ behaviors and behavior change in using temporary work modifications for return to work: a qualitative study

Author/s Horppu, R et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 28 1 135-146 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9706-1

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Purpose Applying the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to understand physicians’ behaviors and behavior change in using temporary work modifications (TWMs) for return to work (RTW). Methods Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 15 occupational physicians (OPs). Responses were coded using the TDF and the BCW. Results Key behaviors related to applying TWMs were initiating the process with the employee, making recommendations to the workplace, and following up the process. OP behaviors were influenced by several factors related to personal capability and motivation, and opportunities provided by the physical and social environment. Capability comprised relevant knowledge and skills related to applying TWMs, remembering to initiate TWMS and monitor the process, and being accustomed to reflective practice. Opportunity comprised physical resources (e.g., time, predefined procedures, and availability of modified work at companies), and social pressure from stakeholders. Motivation comprised conceptions of a proper OP role, confidence to carry out TWMs, personal RTW-related goals, beliefs about the outcomes of one’s actions, feedback received from earlier cases, and feelings related to applying TWMs. OPs’ perceived means to target these identified factors were linked to the following BCW intervention functions: education, training, persuasion, environmental restructuring, and enablement. The results suggest that at least these functions should be considered when designing future interventions. Conclusions Our study illustrates how theoretical frameworks TDF and BCW can be utilized in a RTW context to understand which determinants of physicians’ behavior need to be targeted, and how, to promote desired behaviors

Title Associations between the readiness for return to work scale and return to work: a prospective study

Author/s Aasdahl, L et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 28 1 97-106 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9705-2

Abstract

Purpose To explore the usefulness of the Readiness for return to work scale in individuals participating in occupational rehabilitation, by assessing the association between the scale and return to work (RTW), and comparing the scale to a question assessing individuals’ expectations about length of sick leave. Method Prospective cohort study with 9 months follow-up. Participants took part in one of two randomized clinical trials. Associations between the Readiness for RTW scale and RTW was analyzed using linear and logistic regression, with adjustment for age, gender and education. The Readiness for RTW scale was compared to a self-reported question assessing participants’ expectations about length of sick leave using adjusted/pseudo R2. Results For participants not working (n = 96), high scores on two dimensions (Prepared for action—self-evaluative and Prepared for action—behavioral) were associated with a higher probability of sustainable RTW and more working days. For those working (n = 121), high scores on the Uncertain maintenance dimension was associated with a lower probability of sustainable RTW and less working days. Generally, models including the Readiness for RTW dimensions were not as good at explaining work outcomes as models including a single expectation question. Stage allocation, allocating participants to the dimension with the highest score, was problematic due to several tied scores between (not necessarily adjacent) dimensions. Conclusions Three of the Readiness for RTW dimensions were associated with RTW. However, several weaknesses with the Readiness for RTW scale were established and we particularly do not recommend the stage allocation approach for clinical use in its current form.

Title Do health service use and return-to-work outcomes differ with GPs' injured-worker caseload?

Author/s Mazza, D

Source Occupational rehabilitation 2018 1-8 DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-018-9765-y

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Purpose To determine whether healthcare use and return-to-work (RTW) outcomes differ with GPs' injured-worker caseload. Methods Retrospective analyses of the Compensation Research Database, which captures approximately 85% of all injured worker claims in Victoria, Australia was conducted. Four injured-worker caseload groups were examined that represented the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 100th percentiles of claimants seen per GP over the 8-year study period (2003-2010): (i) 1-13 claimants; (ii) 14-26 claimants; (iii) 27-48 claimants; and (iv) 49+ claimants (total claims, n = 124,342; total GPs, n = 9748).The characteristics of claimants in each caseload group, as well as the influence of caseload on three outcomes relevant to RTW (weekly compensation paid, work incapacity days, medical-and-like costs), were examined. Results Distinct profiles for high versus low caseload groups emerged. High caseload GPs treated significantly more men in blue collar occupations and issued significantly more 'alternate duties' certificates. Conversely, low caseload GPs treated significantly more women in white collar occupations, predominantly for mental health injuries, and issued significantly more 'unfit-for-work' certificates. Few significant differences were found between the two intermediate GP caseload groups. High caseload was associated with significantly greater medical-and-like costs, however, no caseload group differences were detected for weekly compensation paid or duration of time-off-work. Conclusions Training GPs who have a low injured-worker caseload in workers' compensation processes, utilising high caseload GPs in initiatives involving peer-to-peer support, or system changes where employers are encouraged to provide preventive or rehabilitative support in the workplace may improve RTW outcomes for injured workers

Title Does the length of disability between injury and functional restoration program entry affect treatment outcomes for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders?

Author/s Asih, S et al.

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 28 1 57-67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-016-9691-9

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Purpose Functional restoration programs (FRPs), for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders (CDOMDs), have consistently demonstrated positive socioeconomic treatment outcomes, including decreased psychosocial distress and increased work return. The pre-treatment length of disability (LOD), or time between injury and treatment admission, has been shown to influence FRP work outcomes. Some studies have found that shorter LOD is associated with better work outcomes. However, few studies have actually examined cohorts with LOD duration longer than 18 months. This present study evaluated the effects of extended LOD (beyond 18 months) on important treatment outcomes. Methods A total cohort of 1413 CDOMD patients entered an FRP. Of those, 312 did not complete the program, so they were eliminated from outcome analyses. The 1101 patients who completed the FRP were classified based on LOD: Late Rehabilitation (LR, 3–6 months, n = 190); Chronic Disability (CD, 7–17 months, n = 494); and Late Chronic Disability (LCD). The LCD, in turn, consisted of four separate subgroups: 18–23 months (LCD-18, n = 110); 24–35 months (LCD-24, n = 123); 36–71 months (LCD-36, n = 74); and 72+ months (LCD-72, n = 110). Patients were evaluated upon admission and were reassessed at discharge. Those patients who chose to pursue work goals post-treatment (n = 912) were assessed 1-year later. Results Longer LOD was associated with less likelihood of completing the FRP (p < .001). Compared to the other LOD groups, a relatively large percentage of patients (47%) in the longest- disability group were receiving social security disability benefits. Associations were found between longer LOD and more severe patient-reported pain, disability, and depressive symptoms at treatment admission. At discharge, symptom severity decreased for these patient-reported variables in all LOD groups (p < .001). Using binary logistic regressions, it was found that LOD significantly predicted work-return (Wald = 11.672, p = .04) and work-retention (Wald = 11.811, p = .04) after controlling for covariates. Based on the LOD groups, the percentage of patients returning to, and retaining work, ranged from 75.6 to 94.1%, and from 66.7 to 86.3%, respectively. The odds of LCD-24 and LCD-72 patients returning to work were 2.9, and 7.4, respectfully, less likely, compared to LR patients. Furthermore, the odds of LCD-24 and LCD-72 patients retaining work were 3.3 and 3.8 times, respectively, less likely, compared to LR patients. Conclusions Long LOD was a risk factor for FRP non-completion, and was associated with more severe patient-reported variables, including pain intensity and perceived disability. Furthermore, long LOD was a significant predictor for work outcomes at 1 year following FRP discharge. Nevertheless, a large percentage of longer LOD (>24 months) patients had returned to work within the year after discharge (above 85%), and had retained at least part-time work 1-year later (above 66%). These results support the effectiveness of the FRP in mitigating the effects of extended LOD in a large percentage of long-term LOD patients

Title The effect of self-efficacy on return-to-work outcomes for workers with psychological or upper-body musculoskeletal injuries: a review of the literature

Author/s Black, O et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 16-27 DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9697-y

Abstract

Purpose Work absence can result in substantial losses to the economy and workers. As a result, identifying modifiable factors associated with return-to-work (RTW) following an injury or illness is the focus of many empirical investigations. Self-efficacy, the belief about one’s ability to undertake behaviours to achieve desired goals, has been identified as an important

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factor in RTW for injured workers. This paper systematically reviewed the literature on the association between self-efficacy and RTW outcomes for workers with an upper-body musculoskeletal injury or psychological injury. Methods A systematic search was conducted across five databases using two main search concepts- ‘self-efficacy’ and ‘RTW’. After removing duplicates, our search strategy identified 836 studies, which were screened for relevance using titles and abstracts. Results A two stage screening process reduced the study pool to six studies using psychological injury cohorts and three using upper-body musculoskeletal (UB-MSK) cohorts. Eight cohorts from seven prospective cohort studies and one sample from a randomised control trial (RCT) were subjected to a risk of bias assessment. Higher levels of self-efficacy appeared to have a consistent and positive association with RTW across return-to-work status and work absence outcomes, injury type and follow-up periods. Effect ratios ranged from 1.00 to 5.26 indicating a potentially large impact of self-efficacy on RTW outcomes. The relationship between self-efficacy and RTW strengthened as the domain of self-efficacy became more specific to RTW and job behaviours. Studies assessing workers with psychological injuries were of a lower quality compared to those assessing workers with UB-MSK injuries. Conclusions Higher self-efficacy had consistent positive associations with RTW outcomes. Further empirical research should identify the determinants of self-efficacy, and explore the processes by which higher self-efficacy improves RTW outcomes.

Title Effectiveness of graded return to work after multimodal rehabilitation in patients with mental disorders: a propensity score analysis

Author/s Streibelt, M et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 180-189

Abstract

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Purpose Graded return to work (GRTW) is a strategy aimed at bringing people gradually back to coping with a full workload after an extended period of sick leave. This study aims to determine the effect of GRTW in addition to a multimodal rehabilitation on longer-term work participation in people with chronic mental disorders (CMDs). Methods Patients filled out questionnaires at the start of a multimodal rehabilitation and 15 months later. Balanced groups (GRTW, no GRTW) were formed by propensity score matching based on 27 covariates. The primary outcome measures were the return to work (RTW) status at follow-up and the number of days on sick leave during follow-up. Results From 1062 data sets (GRTW 508, no GRTW 554), 381 pairs were matched (age: 47.8 years; 78% female; 65% affective disorders, 28% neurotic or somatic disorders). At follow-up, 88% of the GRTW group had returned to work compared to only 73% of the controls (RR = 1.22, 1.13–1.31). The mean sick leave duration during the follow-up period was 7.0 weeks in the GRTW group compared to 13.4 weeks in the control group (p < 0.001). Additional explorative analyses showed that these effects were only observed in patients with an unsure or negative subjective RTW prognosis. Conclusions Based on this analysis, GRTW in addition to a multimodal rehabilitation is effective in enhancing successful work participation in people with CMDs. Earlier studies showing larger effects in people with a higher risk of a non-RTW were confirmed.

Title Effectiveness of workplace interventions in return-to-work for musculoskeletal, pain-related and mental health conditions: an update of the evidence and messages for practitioners

Author/s Cullen, K L et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 10-15 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-016-9690-x

Abstract Purpose The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based return-to-work (RTW) interventions and work disability

management (DM) interventions that assist workers with musculoskeletal (MSK) and pain-related conditions and mental health (MH) conditions with RTW. Methods We followed a systematic review process developed by the Institute for Work & Health and an adapted best evidence synthesis that ranked evidence as strong, moderate, limited, or insufficient. Results Seven electronic databases were searched from January 1990 until April 2015, yielding 8898 non-duplicate references. Evidence from 36 medium and high quality studies were synthesized on 12 different intervention categories across three broad domains: health-focused, service coordination, and work modification interventions. There was strong evidence that duration away from work from both MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions were significantly reduced by multi-domain interventions encompassing at least two of the three domains. There was moderate evidence that these multi-domain interventions had a positive impact on cost outcomes. There was strong evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy interventions that do not also include workplace modifications or service coordination components are not effective in helping workers with MH conditions in RTW. Evidence for the effectiveness of other single-domain interventions was mixed, with some studies reporting positive effects and others reporting no effects on lost time and work functioning. Conclusions While there is substantial research literature focused on RTW, there are only a small number of quality workplace-based RTW intervention studies that involve workers with MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions. We recommend implementing multi-domain interventions (i.e. with healthcare provision, service coordination, and work accommodation components) to help reduce lost time for MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions. Practitioners should also consider implementing these programs to help improve work functioning and reduce costs associated with work disability.

Title Meta-synthesis of qualitative research on facilitators and barriers of return to work after stroke

Author/s Schwaarz, B

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 28-44 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9713-2

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Purpose Despite existing rehabilitation services, return to work (RTW) rates among stroke survivors are quite low. An increased number of qualitative studies have been conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to RTW after stroke and to derive recommendations for future interventions. The aim of our study was to carry out a meta-synthesis of those studies and thus strengthen evidence in the field. Methods To identify relevant studies (qualitative studies focusing on RTW after stroke, published in English or German between 2000 and 2015), we conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science. After assessing the quality of eligible studies, we synthesized their findings according to meta-ethnographic methodology. Results Fourteen out of 553 studies—three of very high, seven of high, three of medium, and one of low quality—met the inclusion criteria. After the extraction of all first-order concepts and their translation into 64 second-order interpretations, we synthesized the findings by developing a model of RTW factors after stroke. It contains factors related to the person (impairments, coping/adaptation, significance of work/RTW motivation), workplace (job demands/work adaptations, disability management, work climate/social support), and rehabilitation services (availability, accessibility, appropriateness), as well as relevant factors in the interaction of these three stakeholders (work capacity, performance and capability, and initial RTW experiences). Three basic principles—adaptiveness, purposefulness, and cooperativeness—complete the model and led us to its name: the APC model. Conclusions Successful RTW after stroke depends on diverse factors and stakeholders. Rehabilitation strategies have to consider this; otherwise they become RTW barriers themselves.

Title Practices and processes used in the return to work of injured new south wales nurses: are these consistent with rtw best practice principles?

Author/s James, C et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 68-79

Abstract

Purpose Workplace injury and illness rates are high within the nursing profession, and in conjunction with current nursing shortages, low retention rates, and the high cost of workplace injury, the need for effective return to work (RTW) for injured nurses is highlighted. This study aimed to identify current practices and processes used in the RTW of injured nurses, and determine if these are consistent with the seven principles for successful RTW as described by the Canadian Institute for Work & Health. Method As part of a larger cross-sectional study, survey data were collected from New South Wales nurses who had sustained a major workplace injury or illness. Survey questions were coded and matched to the seven principles for successful RTW. Results Of the 484 surveys eligible for analysis, most were from Registered Nurses (52%) in the Public Hospital Sector (48%). Responses indicated four main areas of concern: a commitment to health and safety by the workplace; early and considerate employer contact; provision of modified work; and individual knowledge of and involvement in the RTW process. Positive participant responses to co-worker and supervisor involvement were identified as areas consistent with best practice principles. Conclusions These findings suggest the practices and processes involved in the RTW of injured nurses are inconsistent with best practice principles for RTW, highlighting the need for interventions such as targeted employer education and training for improved industry RTW outcomes

Title Perceptions of breast cancer survivors on the supporting practices of their supervisors in the return-to-work process: a qualitative descriptive study

Author/s Caron, M Durand, M-J Tremblay, D

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 89-96

Abstract

Purpose Supervisors are known to be key actors in ensuring the success of absent employees in their return-to-work process. However, to date, little is known about the perceptions of breast cancer survivors on the practices put in place by their supervisors to support them during this process. The objective of this study was to describe the perceptions of breast cancer survivors on the practices put in place by their supervisors to support them during their return-to-work process. Method A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with breast cancer survivors (n = 10) who had returned to work after treatment and were still at work more than 18 months later. Each interview was audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim for qualitative thematic content analysis using a semi-open codification framework. Results Participants identified three main practices put in place by their supervisors to support them and which they perceived as particularly helpful during the return-to-work process: (1) maintaining communication during their period of absence; (2) working with them to structure their return-to-work process before their actual return; and (3) allowing them flexibility in their schedule for a certain period, particularly at the beginning of the return-to-work process. Breast cancer survivors also identified an omission in the practice of employers: lack of follow-up over time. Conclusion Knowledge about the practices perceived as helpful by breast cancer survivors during their return-to-work process lays the groundwork for the eventual development of services to help breast cancer survivors in their return to work.

Title Associations between the readiness for return to work scale and return to work: a prospective study

Author/s Aasdahl, L et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 97-106 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9705-2

Abstract

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Purpose To explore the usefulness of the Readiness for return to work scale in individuals participating in occupational rehabilitation, by assessing the association between the scale and return to work (RTW), and comparing the scale to a question assessing individuals’ expectations about length of sick leave. Method Prospective cohort study with 9 months follow-up. Participants took part in one of two randomized clinical trials. Associations between the Readiness for RTW scale and RTW was analyzed using linear and logistic regression, with adjustment for age, gender and education. The Readiness for RTW scale was compared to a self-reported question assessing participants’ expectations about length of sick leave using adjusted/pseudo R2. Results For participants not working (n = 96), high scores on two dimensions (Prepared for action—self-evaluative and Prepared for action—behavioral) were associated with a higher probability of sustainable RTW and more working days. For those working (n = 121), high scores on the Uncertain maintenance dimension was associated with a lower probability of sustainable RTW and less working days. Generally, models including the Readiness for RTW dimensions were not as good at explaining work outcomes as models including a single expectation question. Stage allocation, allocating participants to the dimension with the highest score, was problematic due to several tied scores between (not necessarily adjacent) dimensions. Conclusions Three of the Readiness for RTW dimensions were associated with RTW. However, several weaknesses with the Readiness for RTW scale were established and we particularly do not recommend the stage allocation approach for clinical use in its current form

Title

Cochrane review summary: interventions to improve return to work in depressed people.

Author/s Trivedi, Daksha

Source Primary health care research & development March 2018 19 2 107-109 3 DOI: 10.1017/S1463423617000482.

Abstract

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To assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing work disability in employees with depressive disorders

Title Effect of inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation versus less comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on sickness absence in persons with musculoskeletal- or mental health disorders: a randomized clinical trial

Author/s Aasdahl, L et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9708-z

Abstract

Purpose To assess effects of an inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation program compared to less comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on sickness absence in persons with musculoskeletal- or mental health disorders. Methods Randomized clinical trial with parallel groups. Participants were individuals 18–60 years old on sick-leave for 2–12 months with a sick-leave diagnosis within the musculoskeletal, psychological or general and unspecified chapters of ICPC-2, identified in a national register. The inpatient program (4 + 4 days) consisted of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), physical training and work-related problem-solving including creating a return to work plan and a workplace visit if considered relevant. The outpatient program consisted primarily of ACT (6 sessions during 6 weeks). Both programs were group based. Primary outcome was cumulated number of sickness absence days at 6 and

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12 months follow-up. Secondary outcome was time until sustainable return to work. Results 168 individuals were randomized to the inpatient program (n = 92) or the outpatient program (n = 76). We found no statistically significant difference between the programs in median number of sickness absence days at 6 and 12 months follow-up. In the outpatient program 57% of the participants achieved sustainable return to work (median time 7 months), in the inpatient program 49% (log rank, p = 0.167). The hazard ratio for sustainable return to work was 0.74 (95% CI 0.48–1.32, p = 0.165), in favor of the outpatient program. Conclusions This study provided no support that the more comprehensive 4 + 4 days inpatient multicomponent occupational rehabilitation program reduced sickness absence compared to the outpatient rehabilitation program.

Title The effect of self-efficacy on return-to-work outcomes for workers with psychological or upper-body musculoskeletal injuries: a review of the literature

Author/s Black, O et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 16-27

Abstract Purpose Work absence can result in substantial losses to the economy and workers. As a result, identifying modifiable factors associated with return-to-work (RTW) following an injury or illness is the focus of many empirical investigations. Self-efficacy, the belief about one’s ability to undertake behaviours to achieve desired goals, has been identified as an important factor in RTW for injured workers. This paper systematically reviewed the literature on the association between self-efficacy and RTW outcomes for workers with an upper-body musculoskeletal injury or psychological injury. Methods A systematic search was conducted across five databases using two main search concepts- ‘self-efficacy’ and ‘RTW’. After removing duplicates, our search strategy identified 836 studies, which were screened for relevance using titles and abstracts. Results A two stage screening process reduced the study pool to six studies using psychological injury cohorts and three using upper-body musculoskeletal (UB-MSK) cohorts. Eight cohorts from seven prospective cohort studies and one sample from a randomised control trial (RCT) were subjected to a risk of bias assessment. Higher levels of self-efficacy appeared to have a consistent and positive association with RTW across return-to-work status and work absence outcomes, injury type and follow-up periods. Effect ratios ranged from 1.00 to 5.26 indicating a potentially large impact of self-efficacy on RTW outcomes. The relationship between self-efficacy and RTW strengthened as the domain of self-efficacy became more specific to RTW and job behaviours. Studies assessing workers with psychological injuries were of a lower quality compared to those assessing workers with UB-MSK injuries. Conclusions Higher self-efficacy had consistent positive associations with RTW outcomes. Further empirical research should identify the determinants of self-efficacy, and explore the processes by which higher self-efficacy improves RTW outcomes.

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Title Effectiveness of graded return to work after multimodal rehabilitation in patients with mental disorders: a propensity score analysis

Author/s Streibelt, M et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 180-189

Abstract Purpose Graded return to work (GRTW) is a strategy aimed at bringing people gradually back to coping with a full workload after an extended period of sick leave. This study aims to determine the effect of GRTW in addition to a multimodal rehabilitation on longer-term work participation in people with chronic mental disorders (CMDs). Methods Patients filled out questionnaires at the start of a multimodal rehabilitation and 15 months later. Balanced groups (GRTW, no GRTW) were formed by propensity score matching based on 27 covariates. The primary outcome measures were the return to work

(RTW) status at follow-up and the number of days on sick leave during follow-up. Results From 1062 data sets (GRTW 508, no GRTW 554), 381 pairs were matched (age: 47.8 years; 78% female; 65% affective disorders, 28% neurotic or somatic disorders). At follow-up, 88% of the GRTW group had returned to work compared to only 73% of the controls (RR = 1.22, 1.13–1.31). The mean sick leave duration during the follow-up period was 7.0 weeks in the GRTW group compared to 13.4 weeks in the control group (p < 0.001). Additional explorative analyses showed that these effects were only observed in patients with an unsure or negative subjective RTW prognosis. Conclusions Based on this analysis, GRTW in addition to a multimodal rehabilitation is effective in enhancing successful work participation in people with CMDs. Earlier studies showing larger effects in people with a higher risk of a non-RTW were confirmed.

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Title Effectiveness of workplace interventions in return-to-work for musculoskeletal, pain-related and mental health conditions: an update of the evidence and messages for practitioners

Author/s Cullen, KL et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 1-5 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-016-9690-x

Abstract Purpose The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based return-to-work (RTW) interventions and work disability management (DM) interventions that assist workers with musculoskeletal (MSK) and pain-related conditions and mental health (MH) conditions with RTW. Methods We followed a systematic review process developed by the Institute for Work & Health and an adapted best evidence synthesis that ranked evidence as strong, moderate, limited, or insufficient. Results Seven electronic databases were searched from January 1990 until April 2015, yielding 8898 non-duplicate references. Evidence from 36 medium and high quality studies were synthesized on 12 different intervention categories across three broad domains: health-focused, service coordination, and work modification interventions. There was strong evidence that duration away from work from both MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions were significantly reduced by multi-domain interventions encompassing at least two of the three domains. There was moderate evidence that these multi-domain interventions had a positive impact on cost outcomes. There was strong evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy interventions that do not also include workplace modifications or service coordination components are not effective in helping workers with MH conditions in RTW. Evidence for the effectiveness of other single-domain interventions was mixed, with some studies reporting positive effects and others reporting no effects on lost time and work functioning. Conclusions While there is substantial research literature focused on RTW, there are only a small number of quality workplace-based RTW intervention studies that involve workers with MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions. We recommend implementing multi-domain interventions (i.e. with healthcare provision, service coordination, and work accommodation components) to help reduce lost time for MSK or pain-related conditions and MH conditions. Practitioners should also consider implementing these programs to help improve work functioning and reduce costs associated with work disability.

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Title Identifying return-to-work trajectories using sequence analysis in a cohort of workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Author/s McLeod, CB

Source Candinavian journal of work environment & health 2018 44 2 :147-155 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3701

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to identify return-to-work (RTW) trajectories among workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and examine the associations between

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different MSD and these RTW trajectories. Methods We used administrative workers’ compensation data to identify accepted MSD lost-time claims with an injury date between 2010–2012 in British Columbia, Canada. Cox regression analyses were used to investigate differences in time to RTW between MSD. Validated day-to-day calendar measures of four RTW states (sickness absence, modified RTW, RTW, and non-RTW) were grouped into RTW trajectories spanning a one-year period using sequence analysis. RTW trajectories were clustered using decision rules that identified a shared trajectory structure. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate relative risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between MSD and RTW trajectory clusters. Results In a cohort of 81 062 claims, 2132 unique RTW trajectories were identified and clustered into nine RTW trajectory clusters. Half of the workers sustainably returned to work within one month. Workers with back strains were most likely to have trajectories characterized by early sustained RTW, while workers with fractures or dislocations were more likely to have prolonged sickness absence trajectories (RR 4.9–9.9) or non-RTW trajectories (RR 1.4–7.6). Conclusion This is the first study that has characterized different types of RTW trajectories of workers with MSD using sequence analysis. The application of sequence analysis and the identification of RTW trajectories yielded a number of key insights not found using conventional cox regression analysis.

Title Meta-synthesis of qualitative research on facilitators and barriers of return to work after stroke

Author/s Schwarz, B

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 28-44 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9713-2

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Purpose Despite existing rehabilitation services, return to work (RTW) rates among stroke survivors are quite low. An increased number of qualitative studies have been conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to RTW after stroke and to derive recommendations for future interventions. The aim of our study was to carry out a meta-synthesis of those studies and thus strengthen evidence in the field. Methods To identify relevant studies (qualitative studies focusing on RTW after stroke, published in English or German between 2000 and 2015), we conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science. After assessing the quality of eligible studies, we synthesized their findings according to meta-ethnographic methodology. Results Fourteen out of 553 studies—three of very high, seven of high, three of medium, and one of low quality—met the inclusion criteria. After the extraction of all first-order concepts and their translation into 64 second-order interpretations, we synthesized the findings by developing a model of RTW factors after stroke. It contains factors related to the person (impairments, coping/adaptation, significance of work/RTW motivation), workplace (job demands/work adaptations, disability management, work climate/social support), and rehabilitation services (availability, accessibility, appropriateness), as well as relevant factors in the interaction of these three stakeholders (work capacity, performance and capability, and initial RTW experiences). Three basic principles—adaptiveness, purposefulness, and cooperativeness—complete the model and led us to its name: the APC model. Conclusions Successful RTW after stroke depends on diverse factors and stakeholders. Rehabilitation strategies have to consider this; otherwise they become RTW barriers themselves.

Title Perceptions of breast cancer survivors on the supporting practices of their supervisors in the return-to-work process: a qualitative descriptive study

Author/s Caron, M et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 89-96 DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9698-x

Abstract Purpose Supervisors are known to be key actors in ensuring the success of absent employees in their return-to-work process. However, to date, little is known about the perceptions of breast cancer survivors on the practices put in place by their supervisors to support them during this process. The objective of this study was to describe the perceptions of breast cancer survivors on the practices put in place by their supervisors to support them during their return-to-work process. Method A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with breast cancer survivors (n = 10) who had returned to work after treatment and were still at work more than 18 months later. Each interview was audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim for qualitative thematic content analysis using a semi-open codification framework. Results Participants identified three main practices put in place by their supervisors to support them and which they perceived as particularly helpful during the return-to-work process: (1) maintaining communication during their period of absence; (2) working with them to structure their return-to-work process before their actual return; and (3) allowing them flexibility in their schedule for a certain period, particularly at the beginning of the return-to-work process. Breast cancer survivors also identified an omission in the practice of employers: lack of follow-up over time. Conclusion Knowledge about the practices perceived as helpful by breast cancer survivors during their return-to-work process lays the groundwork for the eventual development of services to help breast cancer survivors in their return to work

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Title Practices and processes used in the return to work of injured new south wales nurses: are these consistent with rtw best practice principles?

Author/s James, C et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation March 2018 28 1 68-79 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-017-9700-7

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Purpose Workplace injury and illness rates are high within the nursing profession, and in conjunction with current nursing shortages, low retention rates, and the high cost of workplace injury, the need for effective return to work (RTW) for injured nurses is highlighted. This study aimed to identify current practices and processes used in the RTW of injured nurses, and determine if these are consistent with the seven principles for successful RTW as described by the Canadian Institute for Work & Health. Method As part of a larger cross-sectional study, survey data were collected from New South Wales nurses who had sustained a major workplace injury or illness. Survey questions were coded and matched to the seven principles for successful RTW. Results Of the 484 surveys eligible for analysis, most were from Registered Nurses (52%) in the Public Hospital Sector (48%). Responses indicated four main areas of concern: a commitment to health and safety by the workplace; early and considerate employer contact; provision of modified work; and individual knowledge of and involvement in the RTW process. Positive participant responses to co-worker and supervisor involvement were identified as areas consistent with best practice principles. Conclusions These findings suggest the practices and processes involved in the RTW of injured nurses are inconsistent with best practice principles for RTW, highlighting the need for interventions such as targeted employer education and training for improved industry RTW outcomes

Title Sustained return to work and work participation after a new legislation obligating employers to notify prolonged sickness absence

Author/s Halonen,J et al

Source Scandinavian journal of public health 2018 46 19_suppl, 65-73

Abstract Aims: Return to work (RTW) after prolonged sickness absence benefits both the individual and society. However, the effectiveness of legislation aiming to improve RTW remains uncertain. We examined whether sustained RTW and work participation were different before

and after a legislative change enacted in 2012 (i.e. an intervention) that obligated employers to give notice of prolonged sickness absence to occupational health services. Methods: Two random samples (2010 and 2013) of the Finnish working aged population (70%, ~2.6 million each) were drawn. Using survival analysis, we assessed sustained RTW (≥28 consecutive working days) during a two-month follow-up after a sickness absence minimum of 30 calendar days in the pre- and post-intervention period. We also identified pathways for RTW with cluster analysis and calculated relative gain in work participation in the total sample and by several population subgroups. Results: In the total sample, sustained RTW was 4% higher and the mean time to sustained RTW was 0.42 days shorter in the post- than in the pre-intervention period. The estimates were larger among women than men and among those with mental disorders compared with other diagnoses. Changes in the pathways for sustained RTW indicated a 4.9% relative gain in work participation in the total sample. The gain was larger among those who lived in areas of low unemployment rate (20.6%) or worked in the public sector (11.9%). Conclusions: From 2010 to 2013, RTW and work participation increased among the employees with prolonged sickness absence, suggesting that the legislative change enhanced RTW. The change in work participation varied by population subgroup.

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Title

The relevance of sleep and circadian misalignment for procrastination among shift workers

Author/s Kühnel, Jana et al

Source Journal of occupational & organizational psychology March 2018 91 1 110-133 24 1 2 1 DOI: 10.1111/joop.12191

Abstract

This daily diary study contributes to current research uncovering the role of sleep for employees’ effective self‐regulation at work. We focus on shift workers’ effective self‐regulation in terms of their general and day‐specific inclination to procrastinate, that is, their tendency to delay the initiation or completion of work activities. We hypothesized that transitory sleep characteristics (day‐specific sleep quality and sleep duration) and chronic sleep characteristics in terms of circadian misalignment are relevant for procrastination. Sixty‐six shift workers completed two daily questionnaires over the course of one work week, resulting in 332 days of analysis. Results of multilevel regression analyses showed that on days when shift workers slept better and longer—compared to days when they slept worse and shorter—they had more energy and willpower available after sleep and subsequently were less prone to procrastination. Moreover, the more work times (permanent shift) were misaligned with employees’ sleep–wake preferences (chronotype) the more pronounced was shift workers’ inclination to procrastinate at work. The present findings provide important implications for shift workers’ effective functioning at work. Practitioner Points: To promote shift workers’ effective functioning at work, when scheduling shift work, circadian principles should be taken into account, and work times should be aligned with workers’ chronotypes. Day‐specific sleep quality and duration co‐vary with procrastination at work. Thus, on days on which procrastination would be especially harmful, sleep of good quality and of sufficient duration should be obtained

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SHIFT WORK

Title What should we tell shift workers to do to reduce their cancer risk? – editorial

Author/s McElvenny, D M et al

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 5–7

Abstract Two articles published in 2001 in the same issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute drew attention to possible cancer risks from night work. One concluded that ‘women who work on rotating night shifts with at least three nights per month … appear to have a

moderately increased risk of breast cancer after extended periods of working rotating night shifts’ [1] and the other found that there were indications that ‘… exposure to light at night may be associated with the risk of developing breast cancer’ [2].

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Title Test–retest reliability, agreement and responsiveness of productivity loss (ipcq-vr) and healthcare utilization (ticp-vr) questionnaires for sick workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Author/s Beemster, TT et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 1-13 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-018-9767-9

Abstract

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The purpose of this study was to assess test–retest reliability, agreement, and responsiveness of questionnaires on productivity loss (iPCQ-VR) and healthcare utilization (TiCP-VR) for sick-listed workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain who were referred to vocational rehabilitation. Methods Test–retest reliability and agreement was assessed with a 2-week interval. Responsiveness was assessed at discharge after a 15-week vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. Data was obtained from six Dutch VR centers. Test–retest reliability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen’s kappa. Agreement was determined by Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), smallest detectable changes (on group and individual level), and percentage observed, positive and negative agreement. Responsiveness was determined with area under the curve (AUC) obtained from receiver operation characteristic (ROC). Results A sample of 52 participants on test–retest reliability and agreement, and a sample of 223 on responsiveness were included in the analysis. Productivity loss (iPCQ-VR): ICCs ranged from 0.52 to 0.90, kappa ranged from 0.42 to 0.96, and AUC ranged from 0.55 to 0.86. Healthcare utilization (TiCP-VR): ICC was 0.81, and kappa values of the single healthcare utilization items ranged from 0.11 to 1.00. Conclusions The iPCQ-VR showed good measurement properties on working status, number of hours working per week and long-term sick leave, and low measurement properties on short-term sick leave and presenteeism. The TiCP-VR showed adequate reliability on all healthcare utilization items together and medication use, but showed low measurement properties on the single healthcare utilization items.

Title Navigating the health–work interface—vocational rehabilitation in the UK – editorial

Author/s Frank, A

Source Occupational medicine 68 1 16 February 2018 2–4

Abstract The interface between work and health is complex and poses a variety of issues for health professionals. Health factors may be congenital or inherited (or acquired at an early age) or present later in life. They may recover fully, improve partially, leave fluctuating levels of impairment (e.g. multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis) or progress inexorably (e.g. motor neurone disease) [1]. The end result of these differing health pathways may lead to difficulties working—and the numbers are huge.

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WOMEN AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

Title Report 1 of the Australian women's working futures project

Author/s Baird, M et al

Source Women, work and leadership research group

Abstract This publication reports the findings from a combined quantitative and qualitative study of Australian working women, aged under 40. It draws together four separate data sources: a nationally representative online survey of (n=2,109) working women under 40; a smaller comparative survey of (n=502) working men under 40; additional boosted survey sample among (n=53) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander working women aged under 40; and the findings from five focus groups of (n=41) working women under 40. Quantitative fieldwork was conducted between September and October, while qualitative fieldwork was conducted in November 2017. At the time of being surveyed: over half of the women in the sample (55%) were working full-time or part-time for an employer, a fifth (19%) were working on a casual, freelance or short-term contract basis and 6% were self-employed. Half of the women (55%) were working in the private sector, 28% in the public sector and 6% for not-for-profit organisations. Over half (56%) were working in four industry sectors: retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, education and training, and accommodation and food services. A sample profile is included at the end of the Methodology section (Section 2).

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WORK ABILITY

Title Workplace interventions to improve work ability: a systematic review and meta-analysis of their effectiveness

Author/s Oakman, J et al

Source Scandinavian journal or work environment & health 2018 44 2 134-146 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3685

Abstract Objective Extended working lives due to an ageing population will necessitate the maintenance of work ability across the life course. This systematic review aimed to analyze whether workplace interventions positively impact work ability. Methods We searched Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embassy databases using relevant terms. Work-based interventions were those focused on individuals, the workplace, or multilevel (combination). Work ability – measured using the work ability index (WAI) or the single-item work ability score (WAS) – was the outcome measure. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development & Evaluation (GRADE) criteria was used to assess evidence quality, and impact statements were developed to synthesize the results. Meta-analysis was undertaken where appropriate. Results We reviewed 17 randomized control trials (comprising 22 articles). Multilevel interventions (N=5) included changes to work arrangements and liaisons with supervisors, whilst individual-focused interventions (N=12) involved behavior change or exercise programs. We identified only evidence of a moderate quality for either individual or multilevel interventions aiming to improve work ability. The meta-analysis of 13 studies found a small positive significant effect for interventions on work ability [overall pooled mean 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03–0.21] with no heterogeneity for the effect size (Chi2=11.28, P=0.51; I2=0%). Conclusions The meta-analysis showed a small positive effect, suggesting that workplace interventions might improve work ability. However, the quality of the evidence base was only moderate, precluding any firm conclusion. Further high quality studies are require to establish the role of interventions on work ability.

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WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY

Title Analysis of the relationship between the adoption of the OHSAS 18001 and business performance in different organizational contexts

Author/s Lafuente, E et al

Source Safety science March 2018 103 12-22https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.11.002

Abstract

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This paper investigates how the characteristics of operational processes—systematic and project-based—affect the impact of adopting the safety management systems on different performance metrics. The proposed approach allows the development of a framework which matches safety problems and risks encompassed by organizational tasks with solutions generated by new safety knowledge linked to the adoption of the OHSAS 18001 standard. Our analysis of the effect over work accidents, as well as operational and economic performance of implementing the OHSAS 18001 in Spanish manufacturing, construction and professional services organizations during 2006–2009 shows that organizations modify existing safety practices to mitigate work accidents, and that safety learning effects widely vary across industry sectors. Organizations whose current knowledge is mostly codified and processes are highly systematic benefit more from safety knowledge and experience, whereas the effects of the OHSAS 18001 dilute in organizations whose knowledge is high in tacitness, and whose processes difficult the visibility of the consequences of work accidents. This study has important implications for managing knowledge acquisition processes. The findings offer valuable insights on how managers can develop communication and coordination actions to cope with the potential incompatibilities between safety management systems, the properties of knowledge and work environmental conditions

Title Assessment of relationships between work stress, work-family conflict, burnout and firefighter safety behavior outcomes

Author/s Smith, TD et al

Source Safety science March 2018 103 287-292 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.12.005

Abstract

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Introduction: Burnout, in the context of emotional exhaustion, cynicism and depersonalization, has resulted in detrimental effects to workers. The relationship with safety outcomes, however, has not been fully explored, particularly in the American fire service. The main focus of this study is to delineate the relationships between work stress, work-family conflict, burnout and firefighter safety behavior outcomes. Methods: Data were collected from career firefighters in the southeastern United States (n = 208). Path analysis, which allows for the simultaneous modeling of regression relationships, was completed to assess the relationships between work stress, work-family conflict and burnout and the relationships between burnout and multiple firefighter safety behavior outcomes including compliance with personal protective equipment procedures, safe work practices and safety reporting and communication behavior. Results: Analyses indicated that both work stress and work-family conflict predicted burnout and burnout negatively influenced personal protective equipment compliance, adherence to safety work practices, and safety reporting and communication. Conclusions: Firefighter burnout significantly impacts firefighter safety performance. Firefighters are less likely to exhibit compliance oriented and self-protective behaviors, which may have implications on overall firefighter safety, health and wellbeing.

Title Evaluation of wearable immersive augmented reality technology in safety-critical systems

Author/s Grabowski, M et al

Source Safety science March 2018 103 23-32 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.11.013

Abstract New technologies in safety-critical systems offer the promise of next generation system features and capabilities; predictive analytics; enhanced and remote monitoring; and perhaps improved operator performance. At the same time, however, questions arise about the impact

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of such technologies on system safety, operator performance, and decision processes, in settings where safe and effective performance are of paramount importance. Wearable, immersive augmented reality (WIAR) technology is one such technology whose introduction sparks these questions. Despite the proliferation of WIAR technology in safety-critical settings, few studies have examined its impacts on operator performance, decision processes and situation awareness in these settings. As a result, this paper considers research needs for evaluating WIAR technology in safety-critical systems. To illustrate the research needed, we consider the use case of a WIAR technology in marine navigation, and propose a research framework, summarizing research needs and identifying needed next steps

Title An integrative conceptual framework for safety culture: the egg aggregated model (team) of safety culture

Author/s Vierendeels, G et al

Source Safety science March 2018 103 323-339 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.12.021

Abstract

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In this paper, safety-related terms, factors and dimensions, such as safety climate, safety attitude, safety behaviour, safety technology, safety procedures, safety training, safety perception and others, are investigated from the perspective of safety culture. Based on an extensive review of literature regarding existing studies and models with respect to safety, an overall conceptual ‘big picture’ model of safety culture is developed and suggested. This model, called The Egg Aggregated Model, and abbreviated TEAM, provides a clear overview of how safety culture can be viewed in an organisation and how the different safety factors and dimensions constituting the safety culture are related in a cyclic way.

Title A novel qualitative prospective methodology to assess human error during accident sequences

Author/s Calvo Olivares, RD et al

Source Safety science March 2018 103 137-152 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.10.023

Abstract

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Numerous theoretical models and techniques to assess human error were developed since the 60's. Most of these models were developed for the nuclear, military, and aviation sectors. These methods have the following weaknesses that limit their use in industry: the lack of analysis of underlying causal cognitive mechanisms, need of retrospective data for implementation, strong dependence on expert judgment, focus on a particular type of error, and/or analysis of operator behaviour and decision-making without considering the role of the system in such decisions. The purpose of the present research is to develop a qualitative prospective methodology that does not depend exclusively on retrospective information, that does not require expert judgment for implementation and that allows predicting potential sequences of accidents before they occur. It has been proposed for new (or existent) small and medium- scale facilities, whose processes are simple. To the best of our knowledge, a methodology that meets these requirements has not been reported in literature thus far. The methodology proposed in this study was applied to the methanol storage area of a biodiesel facility. It could predict potential sequences of accidents, through the analysis of information provided by different system devices and the study of the possible deviations of operators in decision-making. It also enabled the identification of the shortcomings in the human-machine interface and proposed an optimization of the current configuration.

Title A path analysis model for explaining unsafe behavior in workplaces: the effect of perceived work pressure

Author/s Ghasemi, F et al

Source International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics 2018 24 2 303-310

Abstract

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Background. Unsafe behavior is closely related to occupational accidents. Work pressure is one the main factors affecting employees’ behavior. The aim of the present study was to provide a path analysis model for explaining how work pressure affects safety behavior. Methods. Using a self-administered questionnaire, six variables supposed to affect safety employees’ behavior were measured. The path analysis model was constructed based on several hypotheses. The goodness of fit of the model was assessed using both absolute and comparative fit indices. Results. Work pressure was determined not to influence safety behavior directly. However, it negatively influenced other variables. Group attitude and personal attitude toward safety were the main factors mediating the effect of work pressure on safety behavior. Among the variables investigated in the present study, group attitude, personal attitude and work pressure had the strongest effects on safety behavior. Conclusion. Managers should consider that in order to improve employees’ safety behavior, work pressure should be reduced to a reasonable level, and concurrently a supportive environment, which ensures a positive group attitude toward safety, should be provided. Replication of the study is recommended

Title Safety management systems: a broad overview of the literature

Author/s Li, Y et al

Source Safety science March 2018 103 94-124 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.11.016

Abstract

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This paper describes safety management systems (SMSs) on five core aspects: definition, evolution, models, purpose and common elements of SMSs. A safety management system implements safety management activities, so an overview of definitions of safety and safety management sheds light on the content of an SMS. SMSs emerged from the risk concept and safety defences. The development of SMSs was boosted by research into ‘safety’, ‘management’ and ‘system’ theories, (safety) risk analysis techniques, safety audit tools, and related standards. Consequently, the study of SMSs became a multidisciplinary topic and through modelling SMSs, a generic framework can be established aiding the effectiveness of SMSs. There are two main groups of models informing SMSs: (1) accident related models, and (2) organisational models. The relationship between these two models is outlined in this paper. Moreover, we discuss that SMSs studies and models are developed for two main purposes: control and compliance. To control means by implementing safety systems or subsystems, an SMS is able to control risks and to improve continuously, as well as comply with the appropriate standard management systems. As the key to implementing a functional SMS is to carry out common managerial processes, we map the elements of various SMSs to a generic SMS to explore the extent to which they correspond. Like a diamond needs to be cut with facets to show its brilliance, this paper intends to determine and clarify the ‘facets’ of an SMS, and to distinguish all issues clear-cut for the modelling of an SMS

Title Swedish vision zero policies for safety – a comparative policy content analysis

Author/s Kristianssen, A_C et al

Source Safety science March 2018 260-269

Abstract The Vision Zero policy was adopted by the Swedish parliament in 1997 as a new direction for road traffic safety. The aim of the policy is that no one should be killed or seriously injured due to traffic accidents and that the design of the road transport system should be adapted to those requirements. Vision Zero has been described as a policy innovation with a focus on the tolerance of the human body to kinetic energy and that the responsibility for road safety falls on the system designers. In Sweden, the Vision Zero terminology has spread to other safety-related areas, such as fire safety, patient safety, workplace safety and suicide. The purpose of this article is to analyze, through a comparative content analysis, each Vision Zero policy by identifying the policy decision, policy problem, policy goal, and policy measures. How a policy is designed and formulated has a direct effect on implementation and outcome. The similarities and differences between the policies give an indication of the transfer method

in each case. The results show that the Vision Zero policies following the Vision Zero for road traffic contain more than merely a similar terminology, but also that the ideas incorporated in Vision Zero are not grounded within each policy area as one would expect. The study shows that it is easier to imitate formulations in a seemingly successful policy and harder to transform Vision Zero into a workable tool in each policy area.

Title Unearthing the nature and interplay of quality and safety in construction projects: an empirical study

Author/s Love, PED

Source Safety science March 2018 270-279 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.11.026

Abstract Effective implementation of quality and safety management is essential for ensuring the successful delivery of construction projects. While quality and safety possess a symbiotic relationship, there have been limited empirical lines of inquiry that have examined the nature of interaction between these constructs. With this mind, quality and safety data derived from 569 construction projects are analyzed. Quality was examined through the lens of non-conformances (NCRs), and safety under the guise of incidents. The quantity, cost and type of NCRs experienced are analyzed (n = 19,314) as well as the type and number of safety incidents (n = 20,393) that occurred. Examples of quality and safety incidents that arose in ‘practice’ are used to provide a contextual backdrop to the analysis that is presented. The analysis revealed that NCRs (e.g. rework, scrap, and use-as-is) were positively associated with injuries (p < .01). Human error is identified as the primary contributor to quality and safety issues, but the organizational and project environment within which people work provides the conditions for them to occur; people make mistakes, but there is a proclivity for organizations to enable them to materialize and result in adverse consequences occurring.

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Title Violence against ambulance personnel: a retrospective cohort study of national data from Safe Work Australia

Author/s Maguire, BJ

Source Public health research & practice March 2018 28 1 e28012805

Abstract

Objectives and importance: Paramedics have high rates of occupational injury and fatality. The objective of this study is to describe their specific risks of violence-related injury. Study type: This retrospective cohort study is an examination of retrospective data provided by Safe Work Australia (SWA). Methods: An examination of the 300 cases of serious claims of injury related to assaults, violence, harassment and bullying that occurred among individuals identified as ambulance officers and paramedics in Australia from 2001 to 2014. Paramedic risks likely vary by exposures such as hours worked and call volume. To examine how those exposures may influence risk, the available data were used to estimate rates based on hours worked and call volume. Results: The data show that, for serious injuries among paramedics in Australia between 2001 and 2014, the total number of violence-related cases increased from 5 to 40 per year; the number of cases of injury secondary to assault tripled from 10 to 30; and the rate of cases by call volume doubled from 6 to 12. The cost of these injuries was approximately AUD$250 000 for the year 2013–14. The median time at work lost per individual case of ‘work-related harassment and/or workplace bullying’ was 9.6 weeks. Although females comprised 32% of the paramedic workforce, they were the victims in 42% of cases of exposure to violence and 40% of harassment cases. Conclusions: Although anecdotal reports indicate that some interventions have been attempted, violence against paramedics continues to be a growing problem in Australia. The data presented in this study allow for a better understanding of the problem and can support efforts by ambulance service administrators, physicians, paramedics and university researchers to work together to develop and publish evidence based, cost-effective solutions to reduce the risk of workplace violence. Effective solutions will likely be multifaceted and include training, engineering changes, community education and adjustments to agency

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Title The economic burden of bladder cancer due to occupational exposure

Author/s Jung, YL et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 217-225 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001242

Abstract

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Objective: To estimate the economic burden of bladder cancer due to occupational exposures. Methods: Using a societal perspective, we estimate the lifetime costs of newly diagnosed cases of bladder cancer in Canada that is associated with occupational exposure for the calendar year 2011. The three major categories we consider are direct, indirect, and quality of life costs. Results: There were 199 newly identified cases of bladder cancer. The estimated total cost of bladder cancer for new cases in 2011 was $131 million and an average per-case cost of $658,055 CAD (2011 dollars). Of the total costs, direct costs accounted for 6%, indirect costs 29%, and health-related quality of life costs 65%. Conclusions: The per-case economic burden of bladder cancer due to occupational exposure is substantial which suggests the importance and value of exposure reduction.

Title Fatal work-related falls in the United States, 2003-2014

Author/s Socias-Morales, CM et al

Source American journal of industrial medicine March 2018 61 3 204-215 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22810

Abstract Background Falls are the second leading cause of work-related fatalities among US workers. We describe fatal work-related falls from 2003 to 2014, including demographic, work, and injury event characteristics, and changes in rates over time Methods We identified fatal falls from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and estimated rates using the BLS Current Population Survey. Results From 2003 to 2014, there were 8880 fatal work-related falls, at an annual rate of 5.5 per million FTE. Rates increased with age. Occupations with the highest rates included construction/extraction (42.2 per million FTE) and installation/maintenance/repair (12.5 per

million FTE). Falls to a lower level represented the majority (n = 7521, 85%) compared to falls

on the same level (n = 1128, 13%).

Conclusions Falls are a persistent source of work-related fatalities. Fall prevention should continue to focus on regulation adherence, Prevention through Design, improving fall protection, training, fostering partnerships, and increasing communication.

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Title

Measuring and evaluating safety management system effectiveness using data envelopment analysis

Author/s Stolzer, AJ et

Source Safety Science 2018 104 55-69

Abstract In January 2015, the FAA released a congressionally mandated, final rule on Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Part 121 air carriers. Since organizations must implement SMS, often at considerable expense, a sound, valid means of measuring SMS effectiveness must be established. The purpose of this research was to develop a model to measure and test SMS effectiveness. It was constructed through a systematic series of steps, ensuring accomplishment of research objectives. While preliminary, this research demonstrates that Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models can be produced to help organizations measure the effectiveness of their SMS and determine how to improve SMS-related performance

Title Modeling accident scenarios from databases with missing data: a probabilistic approach for safety-related systems design

Author/s Squillante, R et al

Source Journal of safety science 2018 104 119-134

Abstract This paper proposes a new probabilistic approach for safety-related systems design based on modeling accident scenarios with databases where missing data is a major concern. The method is based on (1) multivariate imputation by chained equations that addresses the problem of missing data in industrial databases, (2) Bayesian network learning approach that addresses the synthesis of the Fault tree (FT) and the Event tree (ET) diagrams and (3) the bowtie diagram that addresses the synthesis of the complete accident scenarios. An experimental application example of a database with missing data related to an accident that occurred in the BP Texas city refinery illustrates the effectiveness of the method. At first, a complete database is submitted to random data extractions and then the proposed method is applied. Experimental results confirm that it is possible to identify the relationship among observed and partially observed critical/undesirable events related to the critical faults even in conditions of missing data. The method might be used for the design of safety-related systems as it is able to support: (1) IEC 61511 and IEC 61508 standards, (2) uncertainty of databases with missing data; and (3) ensuring safe-diagnosability property regarding dynamical aspects of actual systems.

Title Optimal allocation of resources in construction safety: analytical-empirical model

Author/s Shohet, IM Luzi, M Tarshish, M

Source Safety science 2018 104 231-238

Abstract Safety in the construction industry, as well as in the infrastructure sector, has always been a key issue. One out of six fatal accidents at work occurs in a construction site. Therefore, preventive measures such as investment in safety must be formulated accordingly. However, construction companies are often reluctant to invest resources in preventive activities. This paper seeks to investigate the optimal safety investment that should be allocated in preventive safety equipment and activities. To this aim, at first a field survey was conducted in 30 construction projects in Israel. Key safety parameters of the accidents occurrence, investment in safety, and accidents costs (direct and indirect) were statistically characterized. Then, a Monte Carlo simulation was developed in order to validate the survey and calculate the total costs of safety depending on the degree of investment in preventive safety, according to three levels: modest, standard, and high investment. The findings show that the optimal safety investment is 1.0% of the project scope. Because of the chaotic distribution of results there is a substantial uncertainty for investment of less than 1.0%. The direct to indirect cost ratio of accidents was found to be 1:3.07, in line with the other figures in literature.

Title Prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector, 2003-2012

Author/s Masterson, EA Themann, CL Calvert, GM

Source American journal of industrial medicine March 2018 61 142-50 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22792

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed US workers within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (AFFH) sector. Methods Audiograms for 1.4 million workers (17 299 within AFFH) from 2003 to 2012 were examined. Prevalence, and the adjusted risk for hearing loss as compared with the reference

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industry (Couriers and Messengers), were estimated. Results The overall AFFH sector prevalence was 15% compared to 19% for all industries combined, but many of the AFFH sub-sectors exceeded the overall prevalence. Forestry sub-sector prevalences were highest with Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products at 36% and Timber Tract Operations at 22%. The Aquaculture sub-sector had the highest adjusted risk of all AFFH sub-sectors (PR = 1.70; CI = 1.42-2.04). Conclusions High risk industries within the AFFH sector need continued hearing conservation efforts. Barriers to hearing loss prevention and early detection of hearing loss need to be recognized and addressed.

Title Records from the Swedish poisons information centre as a means for surveillance of occupational accidents and incidents with chemicals

Author/s Schenk, l et al

Source Safety science 2018 104 269-275

Abstract

We present a retrospective analysis of records on occupational accidents from the Swedish Poisons Information Centre. The aim was to explore these data as a means for surveillance of accidents and incidents with chemicals at the workplace. We extracted data on all telephone consultations regarding occupational incidents (n = 8240) during 2010-2014. One third of the calls were made by health care staff (31%) and two thirds were made by the public (69%). For the latter group, about half (54%) received advice on how to manage on site. One out of five workplace incidents were assessed by the operating expert (pharmacists and physicians) as a major risk for severe symptoms. The three most commonly reported chemical groups were alkali (n = 1510, excluding ammonia), hydrocarbons (n = 1129, including halogenated hydrocarbons) and acids (n = 984). Eye exposure was the most common exposure route recorded (n = 3049), followed by inhalation (n = 2635) and skin (n = 1438). Data from the Swedish Poisons Information Centre offers insights about occupational accidents and incidents with chemical products and also include a higher number of accidents in absolute numbers as compared with the official injury statistics. With a clear focus on type of poisoning agent, treatment and health effects, poisons information data may serve as a means for surveillance on chemical incidents at the workplace.

Title Safety leadership: it’s time for a revolution in behavior-based safety

Author/s Murphy. S

Source Safety + health March 2018 197 3

Abstract Imagine using technology from last century to solve a problem in this century. Unfortunately, that’s what’s happening for too many organizations in the world of safety. It’s time for a change. New science and technology demand it. Safety – and the issues surrounding it – is far different from when behavior-based safety first came onto the scene.

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Title Research blueprint

Source Centre for Work Health and Safety

Abstract The Centre’s plan is to take evidence-based insights and improve work health and safety outcomes for the NSW community. The NSW government identified 3 targets in the Work Health and Safety Roadmap for NSW 2022 (http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/about-us/safework-roadmap) These were fatalities, serious injuries and illness and serious musculoskeletal injuries and illness. The Centre will work towards reducing and supporting these targets by aligning the work to prevention, enablement and effective regulation. Plus look at current and emerging WHS challenges.

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Title Too hot to carry on? disinclination to persist at a task in a warm office environment

Author/s Syndicus, M et al

Source Ergonomics 2018 61 4 475-481 https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1353141

Abstract We investigated the effect of an elevated ambient temperature on performance in a persistence task. The task involved the coding of incorrect symbols and participants were free to decide how long to spend performing this task. Applying a between-subject design, we tested 125 students in an office-like environment in one of the three temperature conditions. The comfort condition (Predicted Mean Vote [PMV] = 0.01) featured an average air temperature of 24 °C. The elevated ambient temperature condition was 28 °C (PMV = 1.17). Condition three employed an airstream of approximately 0.8 m/s, intended to compensate for performance decrements at the elevated air temperature (28 °C, PMV = 0.13), according to Fanger’s thermal comfort equation. Participants in the warm condition were significantly less persistent compared with participants in the control and compensation conditions. As predicted by the thermal comfort equation, the airstream seemed to compensate for the higher temperature. Participants’ persistence in the compensation and comfort conditions did not differ. Practitioner Summary: A laboratory experiment involving a simulated office environment and three ambient temperature conditions (24 °C, 28 °C and 28 °C plus airstream) showed that persistence at a task is significantly impaired at 28 °C. An airstream of 0.8 m/s at 28 °C compensated for the disinclination to persist with the task

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Title Training for vigilance on the move: a video game-based paradigm for sustained attention

Author/s Szalma, JL et al

Source Ergonomics 2018 61 4 482-505 https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1397199

Abstract

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The capacity for superior vigilance can be trained by using knowledge of results (KR). Our present experiments demonstrate the efficacy of such training using a first-person perspective movement videogame-based platform in samples of students and Soldiers. Effectiveness was assessed by manipulating KR during a training phase and withdrawing it in a subsequent transfer phase. Relative to a no KR control condition, KR systematically improved performance for both Soldiers and students. These results build upon our previous findings that demonstrated that a video game-based platform can be used to create a movement-centred sustained attention task with important elements of traditional vigilance. The results indicate that KR effects in sustained attention extend to a first person perspective movement based paradigm, and that these effects occur in professional military as well as a more general population. Such sustained attention training can save lives and the present findings demonstrate one particular avenue to achieve this goal. Practitioner Summary: Sustained attention can be trained by means of knowledge of results using a videogame-based platform with samples of students and Soldiers. Four experiments demonstrate that a dynamic, first-person perspective video game environment can serve to support effective sustained attention training in professional military as well as a more general population.

WORK STRESS

Title Do resources buffer the prospective association of psychosocial work stress with depression? longitudinal evidence from ageing workers

Author/s Launau, T et al

Source Scand j work environ health 2018 44(2):183-191 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3694

Abstract

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Objectives There is now convincing evidence that psychosocial work stressors are linked to depression. Few studies, however, have tested if individual resources can buffer the longitudinal effects of psychosocial work stressors on depressive symptoms. This study investigates how two types of resources (internal and external resources) affect the association between psychosocial work stressors and depressive symptoms. Methods Data were obtained from the US Health and Retirement Study, with baseline information on psychosocial work stressors [job strain and effort–reward imbalance (ERI)] and on internal ("high mastery" and "low constraints") and external resources ("private social support") among initially healthy workers. This information was linked to elevated depressive symptoms two years later. The sample includes 5473 observations and we report relative risks (RR) and effect modification on the additive and multiplicative scale. Results Psychosocial stressors and low resources (internal and external) were both independently related to depressive symptoms. Individuals with both, psychosocial stressors and low resources, had the highest risk of developing elevated depressive symptoms (eg, RRERI-LowMastery 3.32, 95% CI 2.49–4.42; RRJobStrain-LowMastery 2.89, 95% CI 2.18–3.84). Yet, based on interaction analyses, only social support from friends buffered the association between work stressors and depressive symptoms. Conclusions Our findings have demonstrated that psychosocial stressors at work are related to mental health, and that in most cases this relationship holds true both for people with high and with low resources. Therefore, there is no clear indication that internal or external resources buffer the association between psychosocial work stressors and depressive symptoms

Title Employed and expecting in Germany: a qualitative investigation into pregnancy-related occupational stress and coping behavior

Author/s Lojewski, J et al

Source Work 59 2 183-199, 2018 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172673

Abstract

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Background: Previous studies demonstrate a higher risk for pregnant women to experience stressors within the work context and therefore suggest a higher risk for occupational stress. However, the interaction between work and pregnancy in Germany is currently an area without much active research, even though it is a common occurrence. Objective: This qualitative study explores stressors, coping behaviors and related consequences for pregnant employees in Germany. Furthermore, the study researches intervention possibilities for the purpose to prevent the target group from negative health outcomes. Methods: Thirteen semi-standardized interviews with employed pregnant women living and working in Germany were conducted. The interviews were recorded and verbatim transcribed. Data was analyzed by Mayring’s structuring qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Compounding the results, the interviewed women noted most frequently stressors in relation to their employer/line manager due to their pregnant condition. Even though the women showed various adaptive coping behaviors, the identified negative consequences, mainly on their emotional wellbeing. Various intervention possibilities to improve the pregnant employee’s situation were mentioned. Conclusions: This study was able to explore broad insights into the topic of pregnant employees in Germany. Therefore, this study underlines the actuality and relevance of the topic and is able to contribute to a scientific discussion about pregnancy at the workplace.

Title A health economic outcome evaluation of an internet-based mobile-supported stress management intervention for employees

Author/s Ebert, DD et al

Source Scandinavian journal of work environment & health 2018 44 2 171-182 doi:10.5271/sjweh.3691

Abstract

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Objective This study aimed to estimate and evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of a guided internet- and mobile-supported occupational stress-management intervention (iSMI) for employees from the employer’s perspective alongside a randomized controlled trial. Methods A sample of 264 employees with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10 ≥22) was randomly assigned either to the iSMI or a waitlist control (WLC) group with unrestricted access to treatment as usual. The iSMI consisted of seven sessions of problem-solving and emotion-regulation techniques and one booster session. Self-report data on symptoms of perceived stress and economic data were assessed at baseline, and at six months following randomization. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) with symptom-free status as the main outcome from the employer’s perspective was carried out. Statistical uncertainty was estimated using bootstrapping (N=5000). Results The CBA yielded a net-benefit of EUR181 [95% confidence interval (CI) -6043–1042] per participant within the first six months following randomization. CEA showed that at a willingness-to-pay ceiling of EUR0, EUR1000, EUR2000 for one additional symptom free employee yielded a 67%, 90%, and 98% probability, respectively, of the intervention being cost-effective compared to the WLC. Conclusion The iSMI was cost-effective when compared to WLC and even lead to cost savings within the first six months after randomization. Offering stress-management interventions can present good value for money in occupational healthcare.

Title Job stress in young adults is associated with a range of poorer health behaviors in the childhood determinants of adult health (CDAH) study

Author/s Wang, S et al

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine March 2018 60 3 117-125 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001234

Abstract

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Objective: To examine job stress and health behaviors, including their co-occurrence, in Australians aged 31 to 41 years assessed in 2009 to 2011. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses using multivariable regression models of the association between the Effort Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale and health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and body mass index [BMI]) both individually and co-occurring (0 to 3 vs 4 to 5 behaviors) were undertaken. Covariates included sociodemographics, personality, and life events. Results: Greater ERI was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of having co-occurring healthy behaviors and poorer diets in both sexes. Higher ERI was also associated greater physical inactivity and sedentary behavior in men and smoking, high alcohol consumption, and more pedometer-measured physical activity in women. Conclusion: Job stress at work was associated with a range of unhealthy behaviors, which may explain the higher chronic disease associated with job stress.

Title Use of information communication technology and stress, burnout, and mental health in older, middle-aged, and younger workers - results from a systematic review

Author/s Berg-Beckhoff, G et al

Source Intenational journal of occupational environmental health 2018

Abstract

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The aim of this systematic review is to summarise quantitative studies in occupational settings observing the association between Information communication technology (ICT) and stress, and burnout, considering age as an effect modifier. A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted through the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Psycinfo, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were occupational settings and content relevant to our research question. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Two interventional, 4 cohorts, and 29 cross-sectional studies were found. ICT use in occupational settings was associated with stress seen in cross-sectional studies, but not in interventional studies. There was a concordant association with ICT and burnout in different study designs. Overall, there were no linear trends between age and technostress. We suggest that the observed associations were mostly present in the middle-aged working population and that these associations need to be supported in further studies.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Title Characteristics of compensation claimants reporting an occupational injury associated with disability benefits in the subsequent year: a follow-up study

Author/s Rudbeck, M Johansen, JP Omland O

Source Journal of occupational and environmental medicine: March 2018 60 3 279–285 doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001227

Abstract

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Objective: To describe characteristics of claimants reporting an occupational injury associated with disability benefits for income independently granted by the municipality the subsequent year. Method: Multivariate logistic regression was used on self-reported data and register data. Primary outcome was long-term disability benefits. Results: We found that perceived low work ability, high emotional stress, perceived low health, and expected recognition increased the risk of disability benefits. Work ability was the most influential factor. Work ability of responders on benefits was 2.40 [2.23 to 2.58] (scale 1 to 10—low to high). Responders with recognized claims differed only little in characteristics regarding benefits. Responders with ongoing claims had highest risk (18.48%) of benefits despite few health differences. Conclusions: Low perceived work ability was characteristic; health and social issues explained only little of the differences in long-term benefits according to decision of workers’ compensation system

Title Workers’ compensation and the working poor: occupational health experience among low wage workers in federally qualified health centers

Author/s Topete, L et al

Source American journal of industrial medicine March 2018 61 3 189-197 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22813

Abstract

Background: The working poor are at highest risk of work-related injuries and have limited access to occupational health care. Objectives: To explore community health centers (CHCs) as a venue for accessing at risk workers; and to examine the experience, knowledge, and perceptions of workers’ compensation (WC) among the working poor. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted among patients in waiting rooms of rural and urban CHCs.

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Result: Fifty-one interviews of minority workers across sectors identified 23 prior work-related injuries and mixed experiences with the WC system. Barriers to reporting and ways to overcome these barriers were elucidated. Conclusions: Patients in CHCs work in jobs that put them at risk for work-related injuries. CHCs are a good site for accessing at-risk workers. Improving occupational healthcare and appropriate billing of WC insurance should be explored, as should best practices for employers to communicate WC laws to low wage workers.

Title Recovery within injury compensation schemes: a system mapping study

Author/s Collie, A et al

Source Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2018 1-12https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-018-9764-z

Abstract

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Purpose Many industrialised nations have systems of injury compensation and rehabilitation that are designed to support injury recovery and return to work. Despite their intention, there is now substantial evidence that injured people, employers and healthcare providers can experience those systems as difficult to navigate, and that this can affect injury recovery. This study sought to characterise the relationships and interactions occurring between actors in three Australian injury compensation systems, to identify the range of factors that impact on injury recovery, and the interactions and inter-relationships between these factors. Methods This study uses data collected directly from injured workers and their family members via qualitative interviews, analysed for major themes and interactions between themes, and then mapped to a system level model. Results Multiple factors across multiple system levels were reported by participants as influencing injury recovery. Factors at the level of the injured person’s immediate environment, the organisations and personnel involved in rehabilitation and compensation processes were more commonly cited than governmental or societal factors as influencing physical function, psychological function and work participation. Conclusions The study demonstrates that injury recovery is a complex process influenced by the decisions and actions of organisations and individuals operating across multiple levels of the compensation system. Changes occurring ‘upstream’, for instance at the level of governmental or organisational policy, can impact injury recovery through both direct and diffuse pathways

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WEBSITES

Title AIHW

Source Health expenditure Australia 2015-16

Abstract

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Total spending on health in Australia was $170.4 billion in 2015–16, $6.0 billion (3.6%) higher in real terms than in 2014–15. This was the fourth consecutive year that growth was below the 10-year average of 4.7%. Despite the low growth, the share of the economy (GDP) represented by health (10.3%) continued to grow, due to slower real GDP growth (2.7%).

Title At work winter 2018 issue 91

Source Canada. Institute for Work & Health

Abstract

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The latest issue of At work reports on a study which examines the labour market experiences of newcomers to Canada and what they’re told or not told about their health and safety rights and responsibilities. It also looks at a systematic review on the link between work outcomes and opioids prescribed to treat acute musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It reports on the 2017 study by Agnieszka Kosny of three Australian compensation systems recommends support for burdened family members and, how compensation systems can respond to help improve recovery.

Source Canadian Centre For Occupational Health & Safety

Abstract Includes new infographic on Taking action on workplace stress and a fast facts card on Bullying and harassment in the workplace.

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Source Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety

Abstract Working in a standing position – basic information

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Title Activating the digital organization

Source Deloitte Insights

Abstract

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Activating the digital organization: A sink-or-swim moment for today's enterprise brings together insights from Deloitte’s research with MIT Sloan Management Review, as well as our work with clients across industries to understand the role of HR in digital transformation. We have identified 23 traits that comprise an organization’s “digital DNA” – the qualities that digitally mature organizations share.

Title New paradigm Summer 2018

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Title Future of work collection

Source Deloitte Insights

Abstract

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The future of work signifies the opportunity to evolve our workforces and workplaces. This evolution is being shaped by two powerful forces: the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace and the expansion of the workforce to include both on- and off-balance-sheet talent, often referred to as the open talent continuum

Title

Musculoskeletal disorders

Source Health and Safety Executive

Abstract

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This website provides advice to prevent and manage MSDs, including tools to assess the risks of manual handling and repetitive tasks

Title Center for Studying Disability Policy

Source Mathematica policy research

Abstract

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Medical and technological advances enable people with significant impairments and chronic illnesses to lead more fulfilling, independent, and productive lives than in the past. The aspirations of people with disabilities keep pace with the opportunities created by these advances, but policy often lags behind, in part because of inadequate information. Ill-informed policy change can harm people and escalate rapid growth in public expenditures. The Center provides the nation’s leaders with information to develop disability policies and programs suitable for today's world. Includes area on Stay at Work/Return to Work (S@W/R2W)

Source

PS news

Abstract

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Work your way through the sections. Some of the features include: Four things to do when a colleague works with your boss behind your back and If you’re a micromanager – here’s how to kick the habit.

Title Safety Lit

Abstract

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SafetyLit provides abstracts of reports from researchers who work in the more than 30 distinct professional disciplines relevant to preventing and researching unintentional injuries, violence, and self-harm. Among these are agriculture, anthropology, architecture, economics, education, engineering specialties, ergonomics and human factors, faith scholars, health and medicine, law and law enforcement, psychology, social work, sociology, and other fields.

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